The Tinubu-Kashim Coalition in the U.S. has called on the leadership of all political parties in Nigeria to accept the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recent declaration that diaspora chapters of political parties are illegal. The coalition’s convener, Mrs. Adeola Alakija-Awogbemi, made this appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
The INEC had, in a statement issued on Friday, declared that there was no legal provision for the existence of diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties. The commission referenced sections of the Nigerian Constitution, including sections 221, 222, 223, and 225, as well as sections 82 (1), (2), and (3) of the Electoral Act of 2022, which explicitly render such chapters illegal, null, and void.
According to INEC, political parties registered in Nigeria are not permitted to operate or have established chapters outside of the country. In addition, these parties are prohibited from soliciting or accepting funds from diaspora chapters, a practice deemed unlawful by the commission.
Reacting to the development, Mrs. Alakija-Awogbemi, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the U.S., expressed support for INEC’s position, noting that while many party members may have been unaware of the legal implications, ignorance of the law does not excuse non-compliance.
She urged all political parties, particularly the APC, to align their constitutions with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and INEC’s directives. “Rather than condemn INEC’s decision, political parties should amend their constitutions to conform with the law. INEC’s statement has made it clear that any activity conducted by diaspora chapters is unlawful, and such entities are not recognized under Nigerian law,” she said.
Alakija-Awogbemi emphasized that the APC, as a law-abiding organization, is committed to adhering to INEC’s ruling. She expressed confidence that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) would take swift action to address the issue and amend the party’s constitution to reflect the legal requirements.
“The constitution of Nigeria is supreme, and as patriotic citizens, we must abide by it,” she stated. “With the clarification from INEC, I am confident that the APC leadership will do what is necessary to ensure compliance with the law. We have already decided to suspend all diaspora party activities as a law-abiding group.”
Alakija-Awogbemi also advised other political parties in Nigeria to follow suit and take the necessary steps to ensure their operations are in line with INEC’s directive. “The constitution and the electoral act are binding on all Nigerians, and political parties must adhere to these laws to maintain the integrity of the electoral process,” she added.
The INEC’s decision comes at a time when many political parties have established strong bases among Nigerians in the diaspora. These diaspora chapters have been instrumental in providing financial and moral support during elections.
