'Tinubu is choice of Nigerians in Diaspora'

• Published date: 15 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Omololu Nick Apata is Chairrman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Canada chapter. In this interview with Osagie Otabor, he explained why the party's presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will win February 25 presidential election. Excerpts:

The presidential election is few weeks away. What do you expect?

As the Presidential election draws closer, APC Canada chapter continues to work hard in collaboration with the party's Diaspora Directorate under the leadership of Prince Ade Omole to ensure that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerges as the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This support is partly financial and in the coordination of campaign events. At the individual level, our members are connecting with families and friends in Nigeria on how critically important it is for them and their friends to support and cast their votes for our presidential candidate. In the remaining few weeks before the election, we plan to intensify our efforts in as many areas as necessary for ABAT's victory come February.

How soon do you want to see Nigerians is Diaspora vote in an election?

Very soon. For years, Nigerians in the Diaspora have been clamouring for the opportunity to cast their votes in their country's elections irrespective of where they are around the world. This, to me, is a fundamental right whichever way one looks at it. Most of our citizens living abroad are patriots who love their country of birth wholeheartedly. It is not just limited to this sense of attachment; it is also reflected in the amount of remittance that flows into Nigeria from her citizens in the Diaspora. I am hopeful that if elected as President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu would push this very important issue of Diaspora voting to the front burner of his presidential agenda. I feel disappointed that many of us would not be voting in the February elections, but I am also hopeful that with the victory of our presidential candidate, we will all get the franchise in subsequent elections.

How strong is the APC Canada chapter?

It is important to stress that APC Canada chapter is partly an offshoot of ACN. Many of our members have been supporting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu before the birth of APC. What attracted us to ACN at the time was rooted in our passion for a better and greater Nigeria. There's no denying the fact that our country is so blessed with abundant human and material resources. We live in Canada, and we are witness to how Canada has managed her great resources to...