Former Senate President Bukola Saraki Urges Nigerians in Diaspora to Seek Elective Offices for National Development
Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has made a passionate call to Nigerians living abroad, encouraging them to step into the political arena by contesting for elective offices.
According to Saraki, Nigerians in the diaspora possess the intellectual capacity, global exposure, and professional competence necessary to effect meaningful change and contribute significantly to the nation’s progress.
Speaking at the 2025 Reunion Gala Celebration of the Kings College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA) of North America, held in Houston, Texas, Saraki delivered an address titled “Empowering the Future: From Legacy to Infinity.” In his remarks, he underscored the importance of diaspora engagement in the democratic and developmental processes of Nigeria.
Saraki lamented the current state of governance in Nigeria, attributing many of the nation’s woes to the persistent failure of the electorate to choose leaders based on merit, vision, and competence.
He pointed out that rather than electing visionary leaders who possess sound policies and concrete plans for national development, Nigerians often elect individuals who see public office merely as a status symbol—a means to attain the position of being regarded as “big men.”
He emphasized that many officeholders, once elected, lack a coherent developmental agenda and tend to govern arbitrarily. In more troubling cases, Saraki said, they rely on manipulative advisers whom he described as “government scammers”—individuals who habitually exploit whichever government is in power for their personal gain.
Expressing deep concern, the former Senate President called on Nigerians in the diaspora to rise above passive observation and become active participants in the country’s governance. He noted that their silence in the face of poor leadership only enables the perpetuation of dysfunction and misrule.
“Nigerians in the diaspora, like you, constitute a very influential and respected constituency back home in Nigeria. Your opinions count,” Saraki stated. He stressed the need for this group to leverage their credibility, networks, and experiences to champion the cause of good governance.
Saraki outlined a roadmap for meaningful engagement, urging diaspora Nigerians to:
Hold leaders accountable for their decisions and actions.
Advocate for the honest and unbiased enforcement of laws.
Push for electoral reforms that guarantee transparent, free, and fair elections.
Foster national unity and inclusiveness across all divides.
Promote the rebuilding and modernization of critical infrastructure.
Create opportunities that enable citizens, especially the youth, to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Identify and seal the systemic loopholes that allow the misappropriation and wastage of public resources.
He concluded by emphasizing the transformative power of diaspora involvement, urging those abroad to not only contribute financially to Nigeria but to bring their expertise, innovation, and global perspective into governance. According to him, the active participation of the diaspora community can be a game-changer in Nigeria’s quest for a prosperous and equitable society.
Saraki’s address resonated strongly with the gathering, which included prominent alumni and stakeholders committed to national transformation through education, leadership, and civic responsibility.