House Of Representatives Advances Bill For Diaspora Voting To Second Reading

A proposed bill to amend Nigeria’s Constitution and enable diaspora voting has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, November 20.

The bill, co-sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Representative Sodeeq Abdullahi, aims to amend the 2022 Electoral Act, paving the way for Nigerians residing abroad to participate in elections.

After an initial second reading in July, the bill was referred to the Committee on Electoral Matters for further scrutiny. With its successful passage this week, it has now been forwarded to the Constitution Amendment Committee for additional legislative deliberation.

If enacted, the amendment would grant voting rights to Nigerians in the diaspora, promoting broader inclusion and fostering greater participation of citizens abroad in the country’s democratic processes.