EXTERNAL CITIZENSHIP, DIASPORA VOTING AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria, is one of the countries with a large emigrant population. The Nigerian diaspora community has contributed significantly to the Nigerian economy over the years. However, unlike other emigrant nations, Nigerians in the diaspora are unable to enjoy the right to vote due to gaps in the legislative framework governing elections. This paper argues that unlike other countries with large emigrant populations, Nigerians in diaspora contribute too much to be ignored in the electoral process. Thus, this paper undertakes an analysis of the legal and institutional stop-gaps to diaspora voting. It argues that diaspora voting is long overdue within the Nigerian context and recommends steps that may be taken to ensure that the diaspora community which continue to contribute immeasurably to the development of the Nigerian state exercise their constitutional duty to vote and impact governance in Nigeria.