A bill to amend Nigeria’s constitution and enable diaspora voting during elections has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, sparking mixed reactions among Nigerians.
The bill, co-sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Sodeeq Abdullahi, aims to revise the 2022 Electoral Act, creating opportunities for Nigerians living abroad to participate in the country’s electoral process.
Proponents of the bill argue that it would enhance inclusivity and uphold the rights of citizens in the diaspora to vote.
After initially being approved for a second reading in July and referred to the Committee on Electoral Matters, the bill was reassigned to the constitutional amendment committee for further legislative procedures following Tuesday’s debate.
However, the development has drawn criticism from some Nigerians, who fear the move could open new avenues for electoral malpractice.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, the phrase “more ways to rig elections” has become a rallying cry among skeptics, highlighting concerns about the feasibility and transparency of implementing diaspora voting.
A Twitter users @mpiredivine reacting to the bill wrote, “Ehm… When there’s no accountability for irregularities in the elections within Nigeria, it’s the one from Diaspora we are supposed to trust? Their priorities are always so crooked.”
“These people are planning a hugely ahead of the next election. Even US don’t do diaspora voting. If you’re not in the state and eligible to vote, you can not,” tweeted @Ishow_leck.
Another user @prettymfon wrote, “Let our leaders put the right structures in place 1st and ensure that elections are conducted properly in Nigeria then we can talk about Diaspora voting or else, it will be doing the same thing and expecting a different result.”
“We will teach the world the new ways of rigging across the borders,” said @worldpowers100. He added, “No, no, from there they will rig the election.”
“Nigeria I hail thee. Another rigging methodology,” another user @ontimesame tweeted in affirmation.
“More ways to rig elections,” Samwellg wrote.
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