Politics
THE former Labour Party presidential candidate, and ADC presidential hopeful Peter Obi, has concluded his engagements in South Africa with a town hall-style interaction with Nigerians in the diaspora in Johannesburg, where discussions centred on governance, diplomacy, national identity and the future of Nigeria.
According to Obi’s post on Facebook, the meeting was marked by emotional and frank conversations as Nigerians living abroad voiced concerns over the worsening political and economic realities back home, as well as the treatment of Nigerians in foreign countries.
The former Anambra State governor revealed that many of the participants expressed frustration over the current state of the nation while also sharing their desire to return home and contribute meaningfully to national development if conditions improve.
“The discussions were frank, emotional and deeply reflective of the realities confronting our people both at home and abroad,” Obi stated.
During the engagement, the participants repeatedly interrupted the session with passionate questions bordering on diplomacy, insecurity, governance and the global perception of Nigerians.
Obi said that the interaction highlighted the growing concern among Nigerians abroad over the country’s declining image and institutional challenges.
He stressed that the way citizens are treated internationally is often linked to the strength and credibility of their home country.
“I reminded our people that the respect any citizen receives abroad is often tied to how respected their nation is at home,” Obi said. “A country that works, protects its institutions, upholds justice and cares for its people naturally commands global respect.”
Obi maintained that leadership in Nigeria must become more people-oriented, accountable and driven by competence and integrity if the nation hopes to regain the confidence of its citizens and the respect of the international community.
Despite acknowledging the frustrations expressed during the meeting, Obi urged Nigerians both at home and abroad to remain law-abiding and pursue change through constructive civic engagement.
“Nation-building demands discipline, civic responsibility and the willingness to pursue change through constructive engagement,” he said.
The interaction, Obi added, further strengthened his belief that Nigerians across the world still remain hopeful about the country’s future despite the mounting challenges confronting the nation.
“Our task as leaders is to inspire that hope with sincerity, measurable action and a commitment to building a secure, productive and inclusive Nigeria,” he added.
A.I
May 28, 2026
Tags: Peter Obi