Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has renewed calls for the inclusion of Nigerians in the diaspora in the country’s electoral process, saying those contributing to the economy through remittances should also have the right to elect their leaders.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, October 22, Falana said it was unfair to exclude millions of Nigerians living abroad from voting when their financial contributions to the nation’s economy often surpass oil revenues.
“Today, remittances from citizens abroad are higher, sometimes, than the money we make from oil and gas,” Falana said.
“So, if they are remitting millions of dollars, which go a long way to improve the economy, they also have a right to demand that they be allowed to participate in electing the leaders of the country,” he added.
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Falana emphasised that granting voting rights to Nigerians abroad would align the nation’s electoral system with global democratic standards, where citizens living outside their home countries can still participate in elections.
The senior lawyer also called for the immediate prosecution of electoral offenders, citing the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais panel on electoral reform.
He maintained that punishing offenders would serve as a deterrent and help strengthen the credibility of Nigeria’s elections.
Falana’s remarks come amid growing debates on electoral reforms and public calls for more inclusive and transparent voting processes ahead of future polls.