BY AHMED AKANBI
A former President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Hungary, Frederick Odorige, has faulted the appointment of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, as Director of Diaspora Mobilisation for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
Odorige accused Dabiri-Erewa of using her public office to pursue partisan interests, saying her role raises questions about compliance with Public Service Rules.
In a statement titled ‘Why Abike Dabiri-Erewa is the least qualified person to mobilise Nigerian Diaspora for Tinubu’s re-election,’ he said she should not lead mobilisation of Nigerians abroad while heading a commission meant to serve them irrespective of party.
He cited Rule 030422 of Public Service Rules, which bars public officers from holding positions in political organisations, publicly supporting candidates, or campaigning without express government permission.
Odorige also cited Section 99(2) of Electoral Act 2026, which bars use of state apparatus, including media, to advantage or disadvantage any party or candidate.
He questioned whether her political role could erode confidence in NiDCOM, expected to serve all Nigerians abroad, accusing her of failing in over seven years to actualise diaspora voting and secure a governing board for the commission as mandated by law.
”For over seven years, Abike has been unable to use her office and access to Presidency and National Assembly to genuinely mobilise and actualise diaspora voting,” he said.
He also alleged NiDCOM created divisions among diaspora groups and treated critics with hostility, asking: “Suddenly, diaspora is now united, so they could be mobilised to support Tinubu’s re-election? Are Nigerians in Nigeria united?”
Odorige further raised an alleged N1.4 billion audit query in NiDCOM’s 2023 accounts, claiming Auditor-General’s office wrote to National Assembly on July 17, 2026 after commission failed to respond adequately.
He also accused commission of failing to respond to Freedom of Information requests, including on funds used to evacuate Nigerians from Ukraine in 2022, and cited her public spats with diaspora leaders and journalist Rufai Oseni.
Odorige called for a NiDCOM board, diaspora voting and reserved parliamentary seats for Nigerians abroad, urging diaspora Nigerians to mobilise relatives to vote for candidates of their choice, not Tinubu.
He criticised Tinubu administration over insecurity, debt, poverty and electricity, and urged National Assembly not to suppress Auditor-General’s report on alleged irregularities at NiDCOM.