APC YOUTH NETWORK PLANS MASS RETURN OF 1,000 NIGERIANS FROM SOUTH AFRICA FOR 2027 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

By NaijaParrot | November 1, 2026 

Cape Town, South Africa / Abuja, Nigeria 

 A political support organization affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced plans to sponsor the return of 1,000 Nigerian youths living in South Africa to participate in the country’s 2027 presidential election. The initiative was announced by the Director-General of APC Youth Network West Africa, Olatunde Gideon Igbasan, during a peace walk organised by the group in Cape Town, South Africa.  

According to the organisers, the proposed arrangement is intended to help eligible Nigerians living abroad overcome the financial and logistical challenges associated with travelling home to participate in the electoral process. The announcement comes as political organisations intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general election.

Igbasan said the organisation was committed to encouraging Nigerian youths abroad to remain connected to political developments in their home country. He explained that the proposed sponsorship would cover the return journey of 1,000 Nigerian youths from South Africa to Nigeria for the presidential election. 

 However, the organisation has not yet publicly provided detailed information about the selection process, eligibility requirements, travel arrangements, funding structure or timeline for implementing the initiative. The announcement therefore represents a proposed mobilisation programme, with its practical arrangements still requiring clarification. 

The announcement was made during a peace walk organised by the APC Youth Network West Africa in Cape Town. The procession reportedly began at the Mandela Glasses sculpture along the Sea Point Promenade before proceeding along the beachfront. 

 Participants used the event to express support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the group’s political activities ahead of the next presidential election. Igbasan also called on Nigerian youths to reject political violence, embrace peaceful engagement and contribute constructively to the country’s democratic process. The South African activities were coordinated by Tabiti Adeyemi Samuel, according to the organisers. 

 The proposed initiative also brings renewed attention to the long-standing issue of diaspora voting in Nigeria. Under Nigeria’s current electoral framework, Nigerians living abroad cannot ordinarily cast their ballots from their countries of residence. 

Eligible voters who wish to participate must make arrangements to vote at their designated polling locations in Nigeria. 

 This means that the proposed sponsorship would facilitate physical travel home rather than introduce a new voting arrangement for Nigerians overseas. The issue of diaspora voting remains an important subject in discussions about electoral inclusion and the participation of Nigerians living outside the country. 

 The APC Youth Network’s announcement reflects the growing use of diaspora-based political mobilisation as parties and support organisations prepare for the 2027 presidential election. Political groups are increasingly looking beyond Nigeria’s borders to engage citizens abroad through advocacy, digital campaigns, political outreach and organised participation.  

Whether the proposed sponsorship will be implemented as announced will depend on the organisation’s ability to provide the necessary funding, travel arrangements and transparent selection procedures. For now, the plan has placed the participation of Nigerians in the diaspora back in the spotlight as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.  

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