Bill on diaspora voting passes second reading

A bill to amend the Nigerian Constitution and allow for 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, seeks to amend the 2022 Electoral Act to create opportunities for Nigerians living abroad to participate in elections.

The bill initially passed its second reading in July and was subsequently referred to the Committee on Electoral Matters for further consideration. After successfully passing the second reading this week, it has now been referred to the Constitution Amendment Committee for additional legislative action.

If passed into law, the amendment would allow Nigerians in the diaspora to vote in future elections, a move aimed at ensuring greater inclusion and participation of citizens living abroad in the democratic process.