Politicians must renounce foreign citizenship before seeking public office — Group

The organization concerned with global peace, the Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), has called for a constitutional amendment requiring anyone seeking public office in Nigeria to renounce citizenship of any other country, arguing that those entrusted with governing the nation must demonstrate exclusive allegiance to Nigeria.

In a statement by the Executive Director of the group, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, he said the proposal is in the public interest because decisions made by Nigerian leaders affect millions of citizens, control public resources and shape the country’s security, economic future and international relations.

“Anyone who wants to hold public office in Nigeria must renounce citizenship in any other country. You cannot ask Nigerians to entrust you with their future while retaining the citizenship of another nation. Those who govern Nigeria must be prepared to put Nigeria first, without divided national allegiance,” Hamzat said.

He argued that the proposal deserves serious consideration at a time when Nigerians expect greater accountability from public officials and stronger assurances that national interests will take precedence over personal or foreign interests.

PeacePro noted that dual citizenship does not automatically make a person disloyal. However, it argued that Nigeria should openly debate whether those exercising public authority should be subject to stricter citizenship requirements, particularly where sensitive national decisions are involved.

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The organisation acknowledged that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, already disqualifies certain candidates who voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship from contesting specified elective offices. However, it does not impose a blanket requirement for every dual citizen to renounce foreign citizenship before holding public office.

Hamzat therefore urged the National Assembly to consider a constitutional amendment extending the proposed requirement to elected and appointed public positions, with clear provisions defining its scope and implementation.