society

Second-Class Citizens? The Diaspora Vote, Tinubu’s Vote-or-Jail Bill, and the Hypocrisy of APC’s Electoral Reform

Published

1 year ago

May 21, 2025

Sahara Weekly

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.

society

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

society

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

society

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.

The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.

The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.

The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.

Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.