The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence the process for Nigerians in the diaspora to vote during elections, even as the party has rallied Nigerians in the diaspora to support its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.
Speaking Saturday at a town hall meeting in London for young Nigerians, the APC’s deputy national publicity secretary, Yakubu Murtala Ajaka, said the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu’s, passion for youth development and engagement differentiates him from others.
Ajaka reaffirmed that only Tinubu understands the youth better and would facilitate opportunities for young Nigerians in the diaspora to participate and contribute to the rebirth of a new Nigeria.
“INEC’s next move is to start organising the process for those in the diaspora to vote. By doing so, Nigerians living in other countries can exercise their franchise and be active participants in our collective quest to build a new and prosperous nation whose future should be entrusted to the youth.
“Similarly, the right of Nigerians in the Diaspora to vote during elections as critical stakeholders gives them the opportunity in the rebirth and of course, nurturing of our democracy and a better Nigeria. This provides Nigerians in the Diaspora the opportunity to vote for leaders with the zeal and commitment to move the nation forward and improve the lives of the citizenry.
According to Ajaka, the lack of participation in voting during elections has continued to rob the nation of a huge voice in the decision-making process of choosing leaders for the country.
“I believe your participation will also spur you to contest for political offices and to make more contributions to the rebirth of the country.”
On the reason Nigerians should vote for the APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC chieftain said his party’s flagbearer is blessed with a robust and fruitful relationship with Nigerians across the geo-political zones and indeed every state.
“His investment in making relationships stands him out as the best bridge builder that Nigeria needs now. His passion for youth development and engagement makes him different from others. I am convinced beyond every reasonable doubt that it is only Tinubu who understands the youth better and can give our youth, and, indeed, the young men in the diaspora, the opportunity to participate and contribute to the rebirth of a new Nigeria.
“Similarly, Nigeria needs a patriotic leader who can give others outside his geo-political zone, tribe and religion equal opportunity for self-actualization and service to the nation. He should be a leader with a firm belief in the potentialities of the country.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former executive Governor of Lagos state, Nigeria’s economic and commercial center. A former high-ranking Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before his election as the Presidential Candidate of the party, is undoubtedly the man with these sterling qualities..
“He has the advantage of combining both legislative and executive experiences for a more united and prosperous Nigeria, which other candidates do not have.
“As a Governor in South-west Nigeria, Tinubu had equal to none, and employed the services of Nigerians from other states to serve in his cabinet. He laid sustainable policies that have continued to attract both local and international investments to Lagos State, while the people and government of the state get empowered economically.”
He concluded that with Tinubu’s “wealth of experience, dynamism, bridge-building process, and economic acumen, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the best advantages compared to any other candidate to shape a prosperous future for Nigeria and its people. He remains the best candidate for the 2023 presidential election.”
