African Heritage: Abuja, Nigeria – July 2025
In a powerful display of unity and shared vision, the leadership of the Association of Diaspora Political Parties Members (ADPPM) has commended the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Nigeria, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, for his inclusive and visionary leadership, particularly in his openness to meaningful collaboration with diaspora-based political actors and institutions.
According to Hon. Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi, leader of the ADPPM global delegation and former Continental Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Europe (NIDOE), the courtesy visit was a strategic effort to express appreciation to the IPAC Chairman for creating space for dialogue with diaspora political stakeholders. He emphasized that the meeting served not only as a gesture of gratitude but also as a platform to share forward-thinking initiatives designed to deepen diaspora engagement in Nigeria’s political future. “Our visit is a personal expression of our appreciation for IPAC’s visionary leadership and its openness to collaboration with diaspora-based political stakeholders. We are at a critical juncture, and it is only through synergy with national institutions like IPAC that we can actualize the full potential of diaspora political contributions to Nigeria’s development,” said Hon. Gbandi who also commended the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) advocacy under Dr. Yusuf M. Dantalle leadership for the immediate passage of a bill to reserve 74 constitutionally guaranteed seats for women in Nigeria’s National Assembly to increase female representation in the political sphere ahead of the 2027 general elections, and he is happy that same privilege would soon be extended to Nigerians in Diaspora with IPAC support.
He equally used the opportunity to share details of a groundbreaking initiative: the proposed soft launch of a continental diaspora-led political engagement platform designed to bridge the gap between Nigerians at home and abroad. Gbandi extended a formal invitation to the IPAC leadership to participate in the launch and play an active role in shaping the direction of this historic platform.
In response, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, Chairman of IPAC, welcomed the delegation and lauded their efforts. He described the meeting as “timely and significant” and pledged IPAC’s full support for ADPPM’s initiatives. Most notably, he agreed to work closely with ADPPM toward its full integration as the official Diaspora arm of IPAC.
Dr. Dantalle further emphasized the importance of uniting voices across continents to advocate for Diaspora Voting Rights and the establishment of Special Diaspora Representation in Nigeria’s political and governance framework. These bold goals, he said, align with IPAC’s commitment to democratic inclusiveness and national development.
The high-level meeting included: Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, Global Leader of ADPPM; Ms. Merit Edeki, Nigerian Liaison Officer; Engr. Adetunji Anthony Adeleke, Global Deputy Chairman and Chair, Americas represented by Taiwo Adekanye, the Executive Producer, Diaspora Peoples Assembly; Alhaji Ibrahim Suleiman, National Financial Secretary of IPAC, and Dr. Yusuf M. Dantalle, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
This engagement marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political evolution, underscoring the growing importance of diaspora involvement in national affairs. As Nigeria prepares for future elections and governance reforms, the strategic alignment between IPAC and ADPPM signals a renewed commitment to building a political system that is truly global, inclusive, and reflective of all Nigerians regardless of where they live.
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