2023 Presidential Election: ‘I will endorse diaspora voting’ – PRP aspirant
A Presidential aspirant from the Peoples Redemption Party (P.R.P.), Mrs Patience Key, says in her first 100 days in office, she will work towards endorsing diaspora voting if elected in the 2023 presidential election.
She made the pledge while answering questions from a participant on Diaspora voting at a virtual consultation with Nigerians in the diaspora. She sorted after their support to achieve her presidential ambition being the first female to declare her intentions for Presidency in the 2023 election.
Meet Patience Ndidi key (PNK),1st female 2declare interest in 2023 presidential race. An Enterpreneur,SocialAdvocate &a Humanitarian. Past Chair,Nigerians in Diaspora Americas,USA. Lifetime achievemt awardee of USA Pres Joe Biden https://t.co/T5bIt4iGVm @WIAInitiative @ndidikey pic.twitter.com/Cgl4yU0DaX
— FisayoYouthpollnaija #EndSARS #2023Elections (@FisayoDorcas) January 24, 2022
She spoke passionately about making diaspora voting a reality, saying that Nigerians in the diaspora had a significant role in shaping the country’s future.
“Although Nigerians in the diaspora cannot vote under the current law, they feel encouraged to lend their voice and provide support to us in this journey. We are responsible and have the will, answers and competency to deliver excellent governance and exemplary leadership for Nigeria.
We appeal to the diaspora community to encourage their families and friends in Nigeria to support our movement and elect us in 2023 while we continue to advocate for Diaspora voting,” she said.
Hailing the strength of Nigerians in the diaspora, who are over 15 million, the aspirant said they remit US$25 billion on average annually to their home country.
“Our party is economically empowered and possesses the needed talents, expertise, transfer of knowledge and technology to transform Nigeria’s economy, impacting citizens’ lives and businesses.
Nigerians in the diaspora are making waves and adding value to their various host countries and communities. We need to remember our origin–Nigeria, the country of our birth. The country that started us. We must apply strategies for the growth and development of Nigeria as citizens.”
Key urged them not to shy away from involving in the political process, noting that politics determines daily activities that influence the successes or failures in businesses, the educational system, the healthcare system, environmental management, and technology.
As a product of the Nigerian diaspora community in the United States, Key said she saw the need to consult with other Nigerians to interact, share ideas, support and involve them.
“Since 2014, I have served the Nigerians in the diaspora through the auspices of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Americas, U.S.A. I served Nigerians in my local state chapter in Maryland and on the National Board, connecting me with Nigerians globally. I know the strength and influence of Nigerians in the diaspora.”
Mrs Key, the immediate past Chairman of NIDO Americas, U.S.A., said the consultation was one of many discussions with Nigerians in diaspora, hosted by the Patience Ndidi Key (P.N.K.) Team.
“The consultation is consistent with our vision to provide inclusive governance and leadership when elected by Nigerians in the 2023 election.
Since INEC designated January and February as months for political consultations, we saw it necessary to consult with all Nigerians. Our next event will be a consultation with Nigerians living in Nigeria,” she said.
Participants at the virtual meeting praised the courage of Mrs Key for her dream to transform the country, primarily via her three-point agenda of Peace, Equity and Wealth Creation (P.E.W.).
Mrs Key had, on Nov. 23, 2021, declared her intention to run for Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from her ancestral home, Ekekhen in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State.
NAN/Temitope O.
