Abuja, Oct. 7, 2024(TheGavel) – The Tinubu-Kashim Coalition in the U.S. has voiced its support for the recent declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which ruled that all diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties are illegal. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, the group’s Convener, Mrs. Adeola Alakija-Awogbemi, urged political parties to accept the ruling in good faith and align their operations with Nigeria’s constitutional and electoral provisions.
The declaration from INEC came on Friday, clarifying that no provision in Nigeria’s law supports the existence of diaspora chapters of political parties. The commission cited specific sections of the Constitution—221, 222, 223, and 225—as well as sections 82 (1), (2), and (3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which deem such chapters illegal, null, and void. According to INEC, political parties registered in Nigeria are not permitted to establish or maintain diaspora chapters.
Reacting to the announcement, Alakija-Awogbemi called on political parties to amend their constitutions in line with INEC’s stance. She emphasized that it has become unlawful for Nigerian political parties to solicit or accept funds from diaspora chapters, stressing the need for parties to adhere strictly to the law.
“It is also illegal for the party’s leadership back home to continue supporting or patronizing such chapters under any guise,” she said, reinforcing the importance of compliance.
Alakija-Awogbemi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the U.S., acknowledged INEC’s clarification, expressing gratitude for the transparency it provided. “Though ignorance is not an excuse for breaking the law, we thank INEC for the clarification. With the clarification and directives from INEC, I am confident that the APC National Working Committee (NWC) will do what is necessary,” she said.
She further added, “I am sure the party’s leadership will amend its Constitution to align with that of the country and INEC’s Electoral Act. The Constitution is supreme, and we must abide by it as patriotic citizens.”
As a result, the Tinubu-Kashim Coalition has decided to suspend all diaspora-related party activities in compliance with the directive. Alakija-Awogbemi encouraged other political parties to follow suit, stressing that all Nigerians must respect the country’s Constitution and Electoral Act.
INEC’s declaration has sparked discussions across party lines, as many seek to align party structures with the legal framework governing electoral activities in Nigeria. (NAN)
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