Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, arrived in the South African City of Cape Town, where he took part in the Spier Dialogue 2026.
Obi, who emerged the “Unopposed” Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 Presidential Election, said, the event was about the “future of Africa”.
Via X, the former Labour Party (LP) member made known: “Earlier today, I arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, to take part in the Spier Dialogue 2026, an important event centred on the future of Africa and the urgent challenges facing our continent and the globe.”
He continued: “The Spier Dialogue occurs at a crucial time as Africa grapples with significant issues in governance, democracy, economic inclusion, urbanisation, migration, and leadership. However, it also highlights the vast opportunities presented by the energy and creativity of our young population.”
Obi said, the future of the continent should not be portrayed by “poverty”, adding, the time has come for Africans to elevate from “consumption to production”, and, from “mere promises to tangible progress”.
He said: “Africa’s future should not be characterised by poverty amid abundance or by division instead of development. It is time for us to transition from consumption to production, from divisive politics to politics built on competence and compassion, and from mere promises to tangible progress that serves everyday citizens.”
The former African Democratic Congress (ADC) member had the chance to meet with the Nigerian Community in Cape Town, where he had a “heartfelt” conversation concerning “recent challenges” that affect African expatriates in South Africa.
Obi made known: “Upon my arrival, I had the opportunity to meet with the Nigerian community in Cape Town for a heartfelt discussion about the recent challenges affecting African expatriates in South Africa, resulting in over two hours of fruitful dialogue.”
He said, he remains committed to “advocating for a New Nigeria and a New Africa”, the type “where governance genuinely serves the people, where the youth are equipped with education and opportunities, and where leadership is founded on integrity, service, and sacrifice”.
Also, Obi met with three (3) South African Ministers and Political Party leaders on Saturday. He said, they had “meaningful” talks that concern the “ongoing challenges related to immigration, regional collaboration, and fostering peaceful coexistence between our nations”.
The discussions they had concerned “migration, economic strains, youth unemployment, security issues, and the rising tensions faced by African foreigners in South Africa”.
Obi expressed his “firm” belief that Nigeria and South Africa “must enhance dialogue, bolster cooperation, and seek solutions based on justice, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law”.
He said: “We collectively stressed the importance of law-abiding behaviour, avoiding violence, resisting hate or provocation, and allowing lawful institutions to address grievances through democratic and constitutional processes, regardless of the challenges we face.”
For Africa to progress, both countries must be able to “create unity, foster economic inclusivity, invest in our communities, and uphold the dignity of every African, no matter where they live”, he added.
Photo: Peter Obi meet Nigerians in Cape Town, South Africa | Peter Obi/X
