Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called for full voting rights for Nigerians living abroad, saying citizens in the diaspora remain critical to the country’s future and national development.
Sowore made the appeal during an interactive session with Nigerians residing in Brazil, where discussions focused on governance, electoral reforms, corruption, insecurity, and the role of citizens abroad in shaping Nigeria’s political direction.
The event was hosted by Nigerian cultural theorist and activist Adeyinka Olaiya and attracted members of Nigerian communities across Brazil.
During the session, Sowore criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the political system of excluding Nigerians in the diaspora from participating in elections despite their economic contributions to the country.
According to him, Nigerians abroad contribute significantly through remittances, investments, businesses, and professional expertise, yet are denied the opportunity to vote.
He argued that several African countries, including Sierra Leone, already allow diaspora voting and questioned why Nigeria has yet to implement a similar system.
“Diaspora Nigerians must not be excluded from deciding the future of their country,” Sowore said, adding that Nigeria has the capacity to adopt overseas voting if there is political will.
The activist also urged Nigerian professionals living abroad — including doctors, engineers, academics, lawyers, and technology experts — to consider returning home to contribute directly to nation-building.
He warned that Nigeria risks further decline if it continues losing skilled professionals to foreign countries while battling unemployment, insecurity, poor healthcare, and corruption.
Sowore maintained that Nigeria needs what he described as a “revolutionary change” driven collectively by citizens both within and outside the country.
During the discussion, he also criticised major political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, arguing that Nigeria’s political class has failed to deliver meaningful progress.
Comparing Nigeria with Brazil, Sowore said stronger institutions, better governance, and greater accountability have helped Brazil achieve progress in infrastructure and social development despite facing challenges similar to Nigeria’s.
He also encouraged Nigerian youths to become more involved in politics and avoid leaving the country’s future in the hands of what he called “career politicians.”
The session ended with participants raising concerns over electoral reforms, corruption, insecurity, economic hardship, and the continued exclusion of Nigerians abroad from the nation’s voting process.