society
Second-Class Citizens? The Diaspora Vote, Tinubu’s Vote-or-Jail Bill, and the Hypocrisy of APC’s Electoral Reform
Second-Class Citizens? The Diaspora Vote, Tinubu’s Vote-or-Jail Bill, and the Hypocrisy of APC’s Electoral Reform
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a baffling twist of priorities, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly passed a bill mandating the arrest of any Nigerian who fails to vote in an election. While the idea of compulsory voting may appeal to those who advocate civic responsibility, it reeks of hypocrisy in a country where over 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora are systematically excluded from the democratic process. If non-voting is now a crime, then disenfranchisement must be a constitutional violation. If we are to arrest citizens for not voting, should we not first arrest the system that refuses to allow them to vote?
The Absurdity of Forcing Participation Without Inclusion
Compulsory voting laws are often seen in countries like Australia and Belgium, nations with functioning democracies, credible electoral processes and inclusive systems. Nigeria, in contrast, suffers from endemic voter apathy, widespread disenfranchisement and most damning of all, the intentional exclusion of the diaspora community from elections. A government that cannot ensure the votes of its overseas citizens has no moral standing to criminalize non-voters within its borders.
Nigeria has one of the largest diaspora populations in the world, estimated at over 17 to 20 million people across the globe. These are not passive exiles but hardworking, patriotic Nigerians who send back over $20 billion annually in remittances, funds that have become more reliable than crude oil in supporting the national economy. According to the World Bank, remittances from the Nigerian diaspora reached $20.13 billion in 2022, surpassing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Official Development Assistance (ODA) combined. Yet, these same Nigerians are locked out of the very political system they sustain.
Are We Not Nigerians Too?
Diaspora Nigerians pay taxes indirectly through various fees, contribute to economic growth, invest in real estate and help fund education, healthcare and infrastructure back home. Many hold dual citizenships but remain proudly Nigerian in identity and action. Why then are they denied the right to vote?
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, grants all Nigerian citizens the right to vote. Nowhere does it state that this right is extinguished once one boards an international flight. The deliberate failure to enact a Diaspora Voting Bill despite multiple legislative attempts exposes the political cowardice and electoral insecurity of the ruling elite.
In 2021, the House of Representatives rejected the diaspora voting bill, citing logistical concerns and national security risks. Yet, the same government can organize foreign loans in China, sign oil deals in Saudi Arabia and chase dubious investments in Dubai but cannot secure a few polling booths in London, Washington or Johannesburg? That is not logistical incapacity, it is willful disenfranchisement.
The Irony of APC’s Vote-or-Jail Law
The idea that Nigerians who refuse to vote could face arrest or criminal prosecution is as authoritarian as it is absurd. Voting is a right and not a military order. It is not enough to say “vote or go to jail,” especially when the electoral environment is riddled with violence, vote-buying, rigging and voter suppression.
According to Yiaga Africa, the 2023 general elections witnessed widespread irregularities, including result manipulation, voter intimidation and the failure of INEC’s Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). In Lagos, thugs brazenly warned Igbo voters not to cast their votes or face attack. Is this the democracy citizens are being jailed to participate in?
Moreover, forcing people to vote in a system where their votes do not count amounts to state-sanctioned psychological torture. Instead of threatening jail time, the Tinubu administration should be fighting tooth and nail to make every vote count, including votes from the diaspora.
Global Standards vs Nigerian Exceptionalism
Countries like Ghana, South Africa, Kenya and even war-torn nations like Somalia have extended voting rights to their diaspora citizens. Ghana passed the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2006 (ROPAA) to allow Ghanaians abroad to vote. In South Africa, the Electoral Amendment Act of 2003 enables South African citizens living overseas to participate in national elections.
Why is Nigeria, Africa’s self-proclaimed giant still dragging its feet? The answer is simple: the diaspora is unpredictable, informed and not easily manipulated. They are more likely to vote based on performance and integrity rather than tribal loyalty or stomach infrastructure. In short, they pose a threat to the status quo.
Intellectual and Moral Backing
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka once stated, “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.” Denying diaspora Nigerians the right to vote while jailing those at home for non-voting is nothing short of tyrannical hypocrisy. Likewise, Chinua Achebe, in his seminal work The Trouble with Nigeria, wrote, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” No quote better encapsulates the present situation.
Constitutional lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has repeatedly called for diaspora voting, stating in 2021 that “It is unjust and unconstitutional to deny Nigerians abroad the right to vote simply because they do not reside within Nigeria.”
Political scientist Dr. Chidi Odinkalu echoed this view, arguing that “The refusal to allow Nigerians in the diaspora to vote is a strategic denial of political participation aimed at protecting electoral hegemony.”
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
It is time to turn outrage into organized advocacy. The Nigerian diaspora must mobilize through legal channels, civil society, diplomatic pressure and international human rights organizations to demand their inclusion in national elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be compelled by law to create secure, transparent voting platforms for diaspora Nigerians, starting with presidential elections.
Furthermore, we must hold our legislators accountable. The National Assembly must be reminded that their salaries are partly funded by diaspora remittances. If they refuse to legislate in the interest of all Nigerians, then perhaps it’s time to demand term limits, electoral recall laws and public referenda.
One Nation, One Vote?
If Nigeria wants to criminalize non-voting, it must first legalize voting for all its citizens at home and abroad. We cannot be expected to carry the nation’s economy on our backs while being excluded from shaping its political destiny. This is not only unjust; it is undemocratic, unconstitutional and unpatriotic.
The Tinubu administration must be reminded: citizenship is not geographical, it is constitutional. Until the diaspora is given a voice in the ballot box, any talk of compulsory voting is nothing but a charade dressed in legal robes.
To paraphrase the late Nelson Mandela, “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” The Nigerian diaspora is not asking for a favor, we are demanding our fundamental rights.
We are Nigerians.
We vote with our money.
We vote with our ideas.
Now, let us vote with our ballots.
FRSC@ 38: SHEHU MOHAMMED STEERING NIGERIA’S ROAD SAFETY REVOLUTION TO GREATER HEIGHTS
By Deputy Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem (Rtd) fsi, MNIM, anipr
When Mallam Shehu Mohammed assumed leadership as Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), he inherited not just an institution with history, but a national mandate that touches every family, every highway, and every community in Nigeria. At 38 years, the Corps stands tall as Africa’s model road safety agency, and under his stewardship, that legacy is not merely preserved, it is being boldly redefined.
Nigeria’s highways were once synonymous with fear. Before 1988, the World Health Organisation ranked Nigeria among the most dangerous countries in the world to drive. It was a troubling indictment that demanded courage and clarity of purpose. The establishment of the FRSC under Decree No. 45 of 1988 laid the foundation for reform. But sustaining and advancing that reform across decades requires visionary leadership, the kind now exemplified by Mallam Shehu Mohammed.
Today, under his command, the Corps is consolidating its position as one of the most technologically advanced and operationally efficient law enforcement institutions in Nigeria. With renewed strategic focus, the present leadership has deepened the Safe Systems Approach built on people, processes, and technology, ensuring that safety interventions are not reactive, but preventive and intelligence-driven.
One of the defining hallmarks of his administration is accelerated digital transformation. Within six months, over 3,000 personnel were trained to strengthen operational competence and technological adaptability. More than 95 per cent of the Corps’ administrative and operational processes are automated, supported by over 30 web-based applications that enhance traffic governance nationwide. From the National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS) to the upgraded e-ticketing platform, innovation is no longer optional; it is institutional culture.
Emergency response under the current Corps Marshal has become faster and more coordinated, with nationwide response time reduced dramatically from 50 minutes to 15 minutes. The 122 toll-free emergency line and 24-hour National Call Centre continue to serve as lifelines for distressed road users, reflecting a leadership that understands that every second counts.
Strategic stakeholder engagement has equally flourished. Safe corridor initiatives have been strengthened, collaboration with transport unions intensified, and enforcement around articulated vehicles tightened. The result is a significant reduction in tanker-related crashes, a development that speaks to deliberate policy direction and disciplined implementation.
Under Mallam Shehu Mohammed’s leadership, data has become a central pillar of enforcement and planning. Through strengthened collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission, the National Bureau of Statistics, and the Nigeria Customs Service, the Corps has advanced harmonized data systems that support evidence-based interventions. Transparent weekly crash trend reporting now guides targeted deployment and corrective strategies.
Nigeria’s standing on the global stage has also been reinforced. The country remains an active participant in the renewed UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030) and continues alignment with international road safety conventions. These achievements build on the solid foundation laid by past leaders from Olu Agunloye and General Haladu Hannaniya to Chief Osita Chidoka, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, and Dauda Ali Biu, but under the present Corps Marshal, the momentum has unmistakably intensified.
Operationally, the Corps’ footprint now spans 12 Zonal Commands, 37 Sector Commands, over 300 Unit Commands, over 700 Station Offices, 59 Zebra Emergency Ambulance Points, and presence in all 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria. Yet beyond physical structures lies a stronger institutional spirit, one driven by discipline, professionalism, and accountability.
From a nation once ranked among the most unsafe for motorists to a continental pacesetter in road safety management, Nigeria’s transformation story is inseparable from the strength of its leadership. At 38 years, FRSC is not simply celebrating longevity; it is celebrating purposeful stewardship.
Mallam Shehu Mohammed represents a generation of reform-minded leadership committed to smarter mobility systems, data-driven enforcement, and people-centered safety administration.
His tenure reflects continuity with courage sustaining the Corps’ proud legacy while boldly steering it toward greater innovation and measurable impact.
The road ahead is demanding. But under his steady command, Nigeria’s highways are safer, its systems smarter, and its future brighter.
Fashion/Lifestyle
Introducing “Atupaglowco” : Where Fragrance Meets Feeling; The Story of Our Beginning
Introducing “Atupaglowco”: Where Fragrance Meets Feeling; The Story of Our Beginning
Every great journey begins with a sense of anticipation. For us, it began with a simple belief that a space should do more than exist, it should speak comfort and glow.
In a world filled with noise, stress, and endless motion, we realized something powerful. Fragrance can transform not just rooms, but moods. A familiar scent can calm anxiety. A warm aroma can turn a house into a home. A gentle glow can bring peace after a long day. This realization gave birth to “Atupaglowco.”
Atupaglowco was not created to sell diffusers, room sprays, or candles. It was created to create experiences. To create moments. To create atmospheres where people can breathe, reflect, and feel whole again.
The name itself represents more than a brand. It represents warmth. It represents light. It represents presence. We remember the early days, the planning, the testing of scents, the moments of doubt, and the moments of excitement. Each candle poured was a step of faith. Each fragrance blended was a piece of our vision coming to life. We weren’t just building products; we were building something meaningful.
Our diffusers were designed to quietly fill spaces with elegance.
Our room sprays were crafted to instantly refresh and revive environments. Our candles were made to bring calm, beauty, and a soft glow into everyday life.
Atupaglowco was born from passion, patience, and purpose. This launch is not just the start of a business. It is the start of a movement to help people create spaces they love. Spaces that inspire rest. Spaces that inspire joy. Spaces that glow.
We believe fragrance is personal. We believe glow is emotional. We believe every space deserves both.
Today, we proudly introduce Atupaglowco to the world.
This is only the beginning.
Ajadi Hails Oyo Speaker Ogundoyin at 39, Describes Him as Beacon of Purposeful Leadership
A leading governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has congratulated the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, on the occasion of his 39th birthday, describing him as “a symbol of resilience, maturity and purposeful leadership in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
In a congratulatory message made available to journalists on Tuesday, Ajadi praised Ogundoyin’s steady rise in public service, noting that his emergence as Speaker at a relatively young age reflects the possibilities of responsible youth leadership when combined with discipline, vision and service.
“Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin’s leadership has shown that age is not a barrier to excellence,” Ajadi said. “At 39, he stands tall as one of the most impactful Speakers in Oyo State’s history—calm, inclusive and deeply committed to democratic ideals.”
Ogundoyin, who represents Ibarapa East State Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party, has served as Speaker since 2019 and was re-elected to lead the 10th Assembly in June 2023. His tenure has been marked by legislative stability, improved executive–legislative relations and youth-inclusive governance.
Ajadi commended the Speaker for fostering unity within the Assembly and prioritising laws that strengthen grassroots development across Oyo State. “His humility, accessibility and focus on people-oriented legislation have earned him respect beyond party lines,” he said. “He exemplifies the kind of leadership Oyo State needs—one anchored on service, accountability and progress.”
The governorship aspirant further described Ogundoyin as a rallying point for young Nigerians aspiring to public office. “In a country searching for credible leaders, Ogundoyin’s story offers hope,” Ajadi added. “He has shown that when young leaders are trusted with responsibility, they can deliver stability and results.”
Ajadi wished the Speaker many more years of good health, wisdom and greater service to Oyo State and Nigeria at large, praying that his leadership journey continues to inspire a new generation of public servants.
Ogundoyin, one of the youngest Speakers in Nigeria, has continued to attract goodwill messages from political leaders, civil society actors and constituents, as Oyo State marks another year in the life of a lawmaker widely regarded as a steady hand in the state’s legislative affairs.
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