The NDC Diaspora Middle East Region has held its inaugural regional meeting, bringing together party executives and members from several countries across the Middle East and Southeast Asia to discuss grassroots mobilisation, membership expansion and preparations for the forthcoming Nigerian elections.
The meeting, held on August 7, 2026, commenced at about 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time and ended at approximately 7:00 p.m.
In a report delivered by Dr. Ben Chukwu, the Middle East coordinator, participants included executives of the NDC Saudi Arabia and Qatar chapters, representatives from Thailand and members based in other countries.
According to Chukwu, the meeting also acknowledged the existence of NDC structures in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, although participation and organisational strength vary across the different locations.
‘Middle East Nigerians Must Be Recognised’
The meeting’s opening address reportedly emphasised the need to broaden the traditional understanding of the Nigerian diaspora beyond Nigerians living in North America and Europe.
The Saudi Arabia chairman and Middle East coordinator argued that large numbers of Nigerians living in the Middle East are experienced members of Nigerian society who have spent years in the country before relocating abroad.
He reportedly urged them to become more actively involved in Nigeria’s political and national affairs, stressing that Nigerians in the Middle East should not be overlooked whenever diaspora participation in national development is discussed.
Participants were also encouraged to strengthen their structures, increase membership and remain actively engaged with activities being undertaken by the party and its supporters in Nigeria.
Diaspora DG Joins Meeting
The meeting was also joined by the Director-General of the NDC Diaspora, Princess Mariam Tolafari, who reportedly entered while the opening address was underway.
Chukwu said Tolafari greeted participants and delivered a brief address, although technical network problems affecting the Nigerian end reportedly prevented her from speaking at length.
Nine Countries Identified as NDC Middle East/Southeast Asia Structures
During the progress report, Chukwu outlined the countries where the regional structure currently has a presence.
They include:
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
- Oman
- Kuwait
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Japan
According to the coordinator, the strongest organisational activities are currently being recorded in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia and Thailand, while efforts are continuing to strengthen structures in other countries.
Chukwu said the objective was to bring Nigerians across the region together under a coordinated structure capable of supporting the party’s electoral campaign and related activities.
Membership Drive and Election Mobilisation
A major component of the meeting was the regional mobilisation strategy.
The coordinator reportedly said the Middle East structure would continue expanding its membership while developing the human and financial resources necessary to support the party’s campaign activities.
According to the account, the diaspora organisation intends to mobilise Nigerians to participate in voter mobilisation and to support efforts aimed at canvassing votes, monitoring electoral processes and safeguarding election results.
The meeting also discussed preparations for the campaign period and the need for diaspora members to maintain stronger coordination with structures operating in Nigeria.
Country Executives Pledge Support
During the Any Other Business (AOB) session, country chairmen, including representatives from Qatar and Thailand, were reportedly given an opportunity to introduce themselves and members of their respective executives.
Members of the Middle East executive also introduced themselves and spoke about their commitment to the organisation’s objectives.
Chukwu said the meeting was characterised by enthusiasm, with participants expressing willingness to contribute to the political mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming election.
‘Everybody Wants Peter Obi’ — Chukwu
One of the strongest political sentiments highlighted in Chukwu’s report was the reported enthusiasm among participants for the NDC presidential ticket.
According to him, participants repeatedly expressed support for Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, whom he described as having restored hope among members of the movement.
“Everyone says they want Mr. Peter Obi and that is final,” Chukwu said in his account of the meeting.
The statement reflects the political enthusiasm expressed during the meeting, although it should be understood as the position reported from participants at the meeting rather than an independent survey of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Meeting Ends With Renewed Mobilisation
The inaugural regional meeting ended at approximately 7:00 p.m. Nigerian time, with participants reportedly reaffirming their commitment to strengthening NDC structures across the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The meeting’s central message was the need for greater membership, stronger coordination and active diaspora participation in the political process leading to the 2027 elections.
For the NDC Diaspora Middle East structure, the meeting represents an early attempt to consolidate Nigerians living across the region into a coordinated political network ahead of the campaign season.
