By Roy Ofori, Amaechi Okoro, and MacGodwin Iweajunwa: 22 January 2026
In an engaging and substantive dialogue, Hon. Kenneth C. Gbandi, immediate past National Deputy Chairman Diaspora and current Leader of ADC Diaspora, laid out a visionary framework for the Nigerian Diaspora to play a direct and meaningful role in shaping credible elections, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting civic participation across the homeland.
The discussion, anchored by Roy Ofori of African Heritage, Amaechi Okoro of Diaspora Digital Media, and MacGodwin Iweajunwa of Schengen Story Media (SSM) on 22 January 2026, combined intellectual rigor with actionable strategies for political engagement that go far beyond conventional advocacy.
Beyond Advocacy: A Diaspora Partnership for Vote Protection
While celebrating the momentum of ADC and its coalition partners, Gbandi acknowledged a sobering truth: many Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora remain skeptical that their votes will truly count. The 2023 elections left a lasting impression of voter suppression, vote-buying, and disenfranchisement, fueling widespread apathy and eroding confidence in the democratic process.
“To strengthen democracy, we cannot merely observe or comment from afar. We must act,” Gbandi asserted. In response, he unveiled the Diaspora Vote Protection & Security (DVPS) initiative, a patriotic partnership linking Nigerians abroad with trusted community members at home. The initiative is designed to:
• Encourage higher voter turnout.
• Promote peaceful and credible election monitoring.
• Deter vote-buying through civic vigilance and integrity-driven action.
Operational Framework of DVPS
Gbandi presented a clear and actionable blueprint for the initiative:
• Each Diaspora sponsor supports at least 30 credible citizens in their local community.
• Each participant receives ₦10,000 to cover logistics and refreshments on election day.
• Participants serve as Independent Diaspora Eyes, monitoring polling units to ensure transparency while mobilizing fellow voters.
Eligibility criteria are rigorous, ensuring participants are patriotic and respected members of their communities—teachers, youth leaders, women leaders, artisans, or retirees. Each participant must be a registered voter with a valid PVC and monitor their own polling unit.
“This initiative is not transactional,” Gbandi emphasized. “It is designed to empower citizens to safeguard democracy, reduce voter apathy, and resist the weaponization of poverty in elections.” The maximum cost per Diaspora sponsor is ₦300,000, providing an accessible yet ethical model for engagement.
Advocacy for Legislative Reform
Beyond vote protection, Gbandi stressed the urgent need for legislative reform. He called on the Diaspora to intensify advocacy for the full passage of the amended 2022 Electoral Act, widely acknowledged by stakeholders, including His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, as a key factor in the shortcomings of the 2023 elections.
He further urged all major coalition leaders including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and El Rufai to prioritize lobbying the National Assembly to address these flaws ahead of the 2027 elections.
“ADC-DN and millions of Diaspora Nigerians across party lines are ready to support this political good fight one that ensures the people’s will is fully respected,” Gbandi added.
Diaspora-Homeland Solidarity
Gbandi highlighted that DVPS strengthens Diaspora-homeland solidarity, ensuring that Nigerians abroad can actively contribute to credible elections, protect the people’s mandate, and restore faith in the democratic process.
The session underscored the pivotal role of the Diaspora in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future. Hon. Gbandi’s articulation of a structured, actionable partnership framework moving beyond online advocacy and temporary outrage, demonstrates a mature, forward-looking approach to civic engagement, accountability, and national development.
