NIDO Europe responds to misleading claims by so-called “NIDO Worldwide “
The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE), under the constitutionally elected leadership of Hon. Cllr. Harold Ogunfemi (Chairman) and Hon. Michael Otogo (General Secretary), categorically dissociates itself from the statement issued by the self-styled “NIDO Worldwide” on 18 September, 2026 concerning the Auditor-General’s Report on NiDCOM.
NIDOE is not a party to that statement, was not consulted on its contents, and does not endorse any representation made therein.
THE FACTS ON NIDOE’S LEGITIMATE LEADERSHIP
The leadership of NIDOE under Cllr. Harold Ogunfemi derives from a transparent, constitutional electoral process conducted at the Annual General Meeting held in Athens, Greece, from 7–10 November 2024 . Cllr. Ogunfemi assumed office on 9 November 2024, receiving the mantle of leadership from his predecessor, Dr. Bashir Obasekola, in accordance with the organisation’s established succession framework.
The legitimacy of this leadership was tested and affirmed through judicial process. Legal challenges seeking to halt the Athens AGM were dismissed by the court, which awarded costs in favour of NIDOE. Further, in proceedings before the County Court at Central London (Claim No. L03CL967), the claim brought against NIDO Europe was dismissed by Deputy District Judge Chakravarty, with the judgment dated 28 May 2025. As Cllr. Ogunfemi’s election has been neither successfully challenged nor set aside by any competent court, he remains the authentic and lawful leader of NIDO Europe by necessary implication.
THE FICTION OF “NIDO WORLDWIDE”
The entity styling itself “NIDO Worldwide” has no constitutional foundation within the framework recognised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) or the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
No Statutory Recognition: The NiDCOM Establishment Act 2017 recognises Nigerians in Diaspora Organisations on a continental basis. Each continental body—Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania—is independent and autonomous in its constitutional governance. There is no statutory provision for, nor recognition of, any overarching “coordinating” entity called “NIDO Worldwide.”
Self-Appointed Leadership: The individuals claiming the title of “Coordinating Chairman, NIDO Worldwide” hold no electoral mandate from the membership of NIDO Europe. Their positions rest on appointment, not election; on self-assertion, not constitutional process.
Misrepresentation of Mandate: The “NIDO Worldwide” statement claims to be “approved by the five continental bodies.” This is a misleading assertion. NIDO Europe, as a duly constituted continental body, has neither authorised nor approved the issuance of that statement. Its use of the NIDOE name and purported endorsement is unauthorised.
NIDOE’S POSITION ON THE AUDITOR-GENERAL’S REPORT
NIDOE under Cllr. Ogunfemi and Hon. Otogo wishes to make its position clear:
The Audit Report is a Government Matter: The Auditor-General’s report concerning NiDCOM is a matter between the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, NiDCOM, and the relevant oversight committees of the National Assembly. Until those authorities render a final determination, the issues raised remain administrative findings—not adjudicated conclusions. NIDOE, as a diaspora organisation, is not a party to this process and will not be drawn into it.
No Premature Conclusions: NIDOE notes that audit observations are not criminal convictions. They are queries requiring documentation and response. NIDOE urges all stakeholders to allow the constitutional processes of audit review and legislative oversight to run their course without interference or politicisation.
NIDOE’s Non-Partisanship: NIDOE is non-partisan and takes no position on matters that are properly the subject of government audit and parliamentary oversight. NIDOE’s mandate is to serve the interests of Nigerians in Europe, not to intervene in disputes between federal agencies and the National Assembly.
A CALL FOR INTEGRITY AND RESTRAINT
NIDOE calls on all members of the Nigerian diaspora community, and the public at large, to exercise discernment regarding claims made by unauthorised entities.
Verify Leadership: Any individual or group claiming to represent NIDO Europe or any continental body should be asked to produce evidence of constitutional election and mandate. Those who cannot do so possess no standing to speak on behalf of NIDOE.
Beware of Parallel Structures: The proliferation of self-styled “coordinating” bodies with grandiose titles but no membership mandate or constitutional basis serves only to confuse and fragment the diaspora. NIDOE rejects such tactics.
Uphold Constitutional Order: NIDOE remains committed to constitutional governance, transparency, and the rule of law. We will not countenance attempts to hijack the organisation’s name or legacy for purposes unrelated to its mission.
CONCLUSION
The statement issued by the so-called “NIDO Worldwide” is not the voice of NIDO Europe. It is the product of individuals whose claim to authority is without foundation, and whose use of the NIDOE name is without consent.
NIDO Europe, under the legitimate leadership of Cllr. Harold Ogunfemi and Hon. Michael Otogo, will continue to uphold the constitution, serve its members, and engage constructively with Nigerian and European institutions through proper channels.
The audit issues concerning NiDCOM are for NiDCOM, the Auditor-General, and the National Assembly to resolve. NIDOE will not be a pawn in that process. We will not be enlisted into campaigns or statements that do not reflect our mandate or our members’ interests. We call on the public to disregard the unauthorised statement of 18 September 2026 and to engage with NIDO Europe only through its recognised leadership.
Signed:
Hon. Cllr. Harold Ogunfemi
Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe;
Hon. Michael Otogo
General Secretary, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe
