By Collins Nweke – Senior Consultant, International Trade & Economic Diplomacy | Diaspora Advocate
Ostend, Belgium | African Heritage Magazine | June 10, 2025
As the winds of political awakening sweep across Nigeria, a new voice is demanding to be heard—not from within the corridors of power in Abuja, but from the global Nigerian Diaspora. At the recently concluded ADC Worldwide Convergence of Diaspora Coalition Partners & Stakeholders, the theme that resonated most powerfully was: The Imperative of Diaspora Leadership in Building the Coalition for Change and National Transformation in Nigeria and Africa.
Distinguished leaders, including Hon. (Chief) Ralphs Nwosu, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Hon. (Dr.) Kenneth Gbandi, Deputy National Chairman (Diaspora Engagement), were at the forefront of this pivotal engagement. I was honored to contribute reflections, not merely as a voice from the Diaspora, but as a stakeholder in Nigeria’s future—an advocate who, for 18 years as an elected official in Belgian local government, has seen first-hand how institutions should work.
Nigeria at a Crossroads
Nigeria is at a perilous intersection of moral bankruptcy, political inertia, and developmental stagnation. Its politics is mired in personality cults instead of principle-based governance. Institutions have been eroded, justice politicized, and poverty weaponized. In this equation, the Diaspora has often been reduced to a lifeline of remittances $20+ billion annually while their civic and policy voices remain marginalized.
From Remittance Machines to Reform Architects
Yet the Nigerian Diaspora is a global force to be reckoned with economically, intellectually, and diplomatically. We have thrived under systems that reward transparency and institutional integrity. Now, we must harness our skills, experience, and networks to influence the reconstruction of the Nigerian state. Diasporans must transition from spectators to co-creators of a new national order. We must build an issue-based, value-driven, pan-Nigerian coalition untethered from ethnic or partisan allegiances.
Four Imperatives for National Transformation
- Constitutional and Electoral Reform
Diaspora voting must become reality. Independent candidates and youth must have a voice. Our system must reflect the federal character it purports to uphold. - Broad-based Coalition Building
Real transformation will require collaboration between civil society, parties like the ADC, traditional institutions, and the Diaspora. Not for power sharing but for national healing. - Civic and Political Education
The electorate must be re-educated. We need politics based on policies, not populism. The Diaspora must invest in digital mobilisation and data-driven civic awareness. - Leadership Renewal and Accountability
Leadership must no longer be defined by wealth or access, but by service and merit. This requires democratizing party structures and restoring trust in governance.
ADC: A Call to Rise to the Moment
The ADC has earned respect as the only Nigerian party to officially recognize the Diaspora as the “seventh geopolitical zone.” But with this distinction comes responsibility. ADC must now be the adult in the Nigerian political room. It must demonstrate internal democracy, embed Diaspora leadership not as ornaments, but as central players in policy, party strategy, and governance. In short, lead by example.
Conclusion: Building a Coalition of Purpose
Nigeria is bruised, but not broken. What it needs now is not just another political alliance, but a coalition of purpose of conscience and competence. The Diaspora is uniquely positioned to help build this. We have lived the solutions. We can help implement them.
Every generation has a defining question. Ours must be: Did we leave the country better than we found it? With courage and collaboration, the answer can be yes.
For the love of Nigeria.
For the future of Africa.
For the dignity of our children.
Collins Nweke
Reigersplein 3 | B-8400 Ostend | Belgium
African Heritage Magazine the Voice of African Excellence in the Diaspora
