NIDO UK Defends Abike Dabiri-Erewa Over Attacks For Supporting Tinubu Re-Election, Says Loyalty Is Not A Crime

NIDO UK Defends Abike Dabiri-Erewa Over Attacks For Supporting Tinubu Re-Election, Says Loyalty Is Not A Crime

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, United Kingdom Chapter, NIDO UK, has come out in strong defence of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, following attacks over her open support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

In a press statement dated 4th November 2026 and signed by its Chairman, Cllr Taslim Gbaja-Biamila, NIDO UK said its attention had been drawn to what it described as unwarranted attacks on Dabiri-Erewa by Comrade Frederick Odorige for openly campaigning for the re-election of her principal.

The group said it stands firmly with her, and gave four clear reasons for its position.

1. She Has A Right To Her Political Conviction

According to NIDO UK, Dr Dabiri-Erewa is not just an appointee. She is a politician, a former federal lawmaker, a former presidential aide, and a loyal party member appointed by President Tinubu.

No law strips her of her right to support the man who appointed her and whose Renewed Hope Agenda she implements daily.

NIDO UK said she has the rights to support and campaign for her political party and participate in all electoral programmes.

2. Loyalty Is Not A Crime

To demand that she remain neutral while others openly campaign against her principal is hypocrisy, the group said.

Loyalty, gratitude and consistency are virtues, not offences, NIDO UK stated.

3. Her Record Speaks For Itself

Under her leadership, NiDCOM has become the most visible bridge between Nigeria and its diaspora, the statement said.

NIDO UK listed her achievements to include Diaspora Day, Diaspora Investment Summit, evacuation of stranded Nigerians, diaspora voting advocacy, and protection of Nigerians abroad.

She has earned the right to say: Let the work continue, the group added.

4. NIDO Remains Non-Partisan, Individuals Do Not

NIDO UK as an institution remains non-political, as required by its constitution.

But the group said it will not allow anyone to use that principle to silence individual diasporans, including the Chairman of NiDCOM, from expressing their democratic choice.

NIDO UK therefore rebutted in totality any insinuation that Dr Dabiri-Erewa has violated her office by supporting President Tinubu.

Campaigning for continuity of good governance is not abuse of office. It is leadership, the statement said.

The group called on all diasporans in the United Kingdom and across Europe to respect her position, just as it respects the right of others to support whomsoever they choose.

The statement was signed by Cllr Taslim Gbaja-Biamila, Chairman, NIDO UK Chapter.