Dr. Abejide B. Olusegun
As a naturalized citizen of the United States, I take great pride in my citizenship. The opportunities offered by American citizenship are vast and unrestricted—at least for my children. Born in this country, they can aspire to any position, including the highest offices of president and vice president. However, I, as a naturalized citizen, do not share the same rights. Regardless of my contributions to the country or my level of patriotism, I am constitutionally barred from running for the presidency or vice presidency. This is the reality in America and many other developed nations, where leadership roles at the highest levels are exclusively reserved for citizens by birth.
This principle, fundamental to constitutional democracies worldwide, is not necessarily upheld in Nigeria, where political opportunism has undermined the sanctity of national identity and leadership eligibility. This is starkly illustrated by the case of Atiku Abubakar, a highly controversial figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The Atiku Abubakar Paradox: A Non-Nigerian Running Nigeria?
Atiku Abubakar, despite his numerous political endeavors in Nigeria, has questionable citizenship by birth. He was born in Jada, a region that was part of British Cameroon at the time of his birth in 1946. It was only in 1961, following a plebiscite, that Jada and the rest of what is now Adamawa State were incorporated into Nigeria. Therefore, Atiku was not originally a Nigerian by birth, yet he has served as vice president and continues to express his desire to lead Nigeria as president.
This situation is particularly concerning because it poses a direct contradiction to the principles upheld by most sovereign nations. In America, an individual born outside the country cannot rise to the office of president or vice president, regardless of their contributions. The same applies to most European nations, including the UK, France, and Germany. Even within Africa, several countries enforce strict eligibility criteria for their highest offices to prevent the influence of foreign-born individuals on national politics.
In contrast, Nigeria, a country that should prioritize its political sovereignty, has allowed individuals with questionable nationality to ascend to power. This raises fundamental questions about our electoral laws, national security, and the integrity of our democracy. How can a nation function effectively when its highest offices may be occupied by individuals whose allegiance may not be fully committed to the country’s interests?
The Disenfranchisement of Diaspora Nigerians
While individuals like Atiku can freely aspire to the highest office despite not being Nigerian by birth, millions of Nigerians in the diaspora—who are undeniably citizens by birth—are completely excluded from the electoral process. As a Nigerian living abroad, I am unable to vote in elections that directly impact my homeland. Despite the billions of dollars that Nigerians in the diaspora remit to Nigeria annually—funds that sustain families, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s economy—our voices remain silenced when it comes to elections.
This situation is not just unjust; it is detrimental to Nigeria’s progress. Countries like the United States, the UK, and even developing nations like Kenya and Ghana allow their citizens abroad to vote. These countries recognize the value of their diaspora populations, both economically and politically. Nigeria, however, has failed to extend the same rights to its citizens living abroad.
This disenfranchisement is a slap in the face to the millions of Nigerians who, despite living overseas, maintain strong ties to their homeland. They invest in businesses, fund infrastructure projects, and send money home to support their families. Yet, when it comes to governance, they are treated as though they do not exist.
The Need for Constitutional Reform
For Nigeria to progress as a truly sovereign and democratic nation, urgent reforms are required in its electoral and citizenship policies:
1. *Restricting Non-Nigerians from Holding the Presidency and Vice Presidency*
It must be established in the Nigerian Constitution that only individuals who are Nigerians by birth, with verifiable ancestral roots in Nigeria before the colonial era, can contest for the presidency and vice presidency. This would help prevent cases like that of Atiku Abubakar from occurring in the future.
Additionally, non-Nigerians should not be allowed to serve as senators or members of the House of Representatives. Leadership positions should be reserved exclusively for those with deep historical and familial ties to Nigeria, ensuring that no foreign influence undermines the country’s governance.
2. *Granting Voting Rights to Diaspora Nigerians*
Nigerians in the diaspora must be granted the right to vote. It is unacceptable that millions of patriotic Nigerians living abroad—who contribute significantly to the economy—have no say in who governs the country. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must implement an absentee voting system or electronic voting to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their location, can participate in elections.
3. *Strengthening Electoral Integrity*
Beyond ensuring that only qualified individuals can run for office, Nigeria must take steps to strengthen the integrity of its electoral system. The influence of money in politics, voter suppression, and electoral fraud must be addressed. If elections remain compromised, even the best candidates will not be able to change the country’s trajectory, leading to continued poor leadership.
4. *Holding Leaders Accountable for Policy Decisions*
A significant flaw in Nigeria’s political landscape is the lack of accountability. Many politicians ascend to power with little regard for their governance responsibilities. Consequently, public funds are misappropriated, policies go unimplemented, and citizens struggle under ineffective leadership. This culture of impunity must end. Nigeria needs leaders committed to development and progress, rather than those who view political office as an opportunity for personal gain.
Nigeria at a Crossroads: A Call for Change
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. The country must decide if it wants to be governed by true Nigerians who prioritize national development or remain a playground for individuals with questionable loyalties seeking personal gain. The Atiku Abubakar paradox serves as a warning, highlighting a broken system in urgent need of reform.
Moreover, the ongoing disenfranchisement of Nigerians in the diaspora represents a significant injustice that must be rectified. Our voices matter; our contributions to Nigeria are undeniable, and our right to participate in the democratic process should not be overlooked any longer.
As we look ahead to future elections, lawmakers and policymakers must take these issues seriously. Nigeria cannot afford to continue down a path marked by constitutional contradictions and electoral disenfranchisement. It is time to uphold the true essence of sovereignty and democracy by ensuring that only legitimate Nigerians govern Nigeria and that all citizens—regardless of location—have a voice in shaping the country’s future.
Final Thoughts
The presidency of Nigeria is not just a ceremonial position; it demands deep commitment, loyalty, and an understanding of Nigeria’s complex history and aspirations. If the United States and other developed nations do not allow naturalized citizens to serve as president or vice president, why should Nigeria make exceptions?
At the same time, if Nigeria genuinely values its citizens in the diaspora—who send billions of dollars home each year—it must grant them the right to vote. Anything less would betray the very principles of democracy.
The path to a better Nigeria is clear: protect leadership from foreign influence, empower true Nigerians to govern, and ensure that all citizens, both at home and abroad, have a say in shaping the country’s future. Failing to do so would constitute a failure of governance and an injustice to the millions who call Nigeria their homeland.
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