Nigerian diaspora leader welcomes PDP campaign appointment

A leader of a United States-based African unity group has welcomed the appointment of a Nigerian national to the campaign council of the main opposition party in Edo State.

Sir Tonna Okei, president of the South Carolina Organization of African Unity, expressed satisfaction with the decision to include Dr. Phillip Igbinadolor in the Peoples Democratic Party's structures. The appointment relates to preparations for the state's gubernatorial election.

Edo State, in southern Nigeria, is one of the country's 36 federating units and has historically been a politically competitive region. The PDP has been the dominant party in the state for much of the past two decades, though it lost the governorship in 2020 to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The forthcoming election, which was then scheduled for later in 2024, would determine the next governor after the term of the incumbent ends. Campaign councils in Nigerian politics typically coordinate strategy, mobilisation and messaging for candidates.

Okei's remarks, reported by Vanguard Nigeria, reflect continued interest among the Nigerian diaspora in home-country political developments. Many expatriate communities maintain close ties with their states of origin and often engage in advocacy or support roles during election cycles.

The South Carolina Organization of African Unity focuses on promoting African values and unity among Africans living in the American state. Its leadership has occasionally commented on Nigerian affairs, particularly those involving the Edo community abroad.

Political appointments such as this are common in the run-up to Nigerian elections as parties seek to broaden their support bases and incorporate influential voices from both within the country and the diaspora.

Based on reporting by Vanguard Nigeria.