The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has cautioned Nigerians living abroad against violating laws relating to campaign funding ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, warned during the 2022 annual general meeting of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA) held at the Nigeria Consulate in New York on Saturday evening.

“I won’t encourage you to break any law relating to political funding; you know how it is operated in America,” she said.

Ms Dabiri-Erewa, who also spoke virtually at the meeting titled: “NIDOA Renaissance: Leveraging on New Generation Leadership,” urged them to ensure that they observe the laws in their support for presidential candidates in the 2023 general elections

“Whatever you do, don’t break the laws of elections and funding in Nigeria. I think that is very important. Ensure you observe the laws also in Nigeria,” she reiterated.

Ms Dabiri-Erewa also urged them not to be disappointed that they won’t participate in the 2023 polls.

She advised them to intensify efforts to engage the National Assembly so diaspora voting could be passed into law.

“I know you can’t vote in 2023, but don’t be disappointed. Rather, you need to work harder to lobby the National Assembly to make it possible for the diasporans to be able to vote.

“However, you have the voice and use your voice to urge all eligible voters to cast their vote.

“I urge you, as the president always says, three things; be good ambassadors, obey the laws of whatever countries you are and let us continue to be proud of you and what you are doing,” she said.

She assured members of NIDOA of the commission’s robust partnership.

The chairman, the Board of Trustees of NIDOA, Tope Esan, said the organisation’s mission is to promote the spirit of patriotism, networking, and cooperation among Nigerians in the diaspora for their individual and collective success in the countries of the Americas where they reside.

The national chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, recently inaugurated an 11-man diaspora committee to organise fund-raising activities supporting the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The Inauguration also came a day after the party’s diaspora support groups, in a media report,  pledged to unveil a crowdfunding portal with a target to raise $150 million from Obi’s supporters in the diaspora N100 billion from those in Nigeria.

(NAN)