Obi Urges EU Parliament to Strengthen Ties With Africa, Support Good Governance in Nigeria

Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the European Parliament to deepen its engagement with Africa, particularly Nigeria, as part of broader efforts to advance global development and stability.

Obi, who visited Strasbourg, France, yesterday, attended sessions at the European Parliament and held a series of constructive meetings with members drawn from key committees. These included the Committee on Foreign Affairs; the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs; the Members of the Africa-EU Delegation Committee; the Committee on Transport and Tourism; and the Committee on Development, among others.

During the meetings, Obi appealed for a strengthened partnership with Africa, describing the continent as one of immense potential, the second-largest in landmass and population, rich in natural resources, and driven by a youthful demographic. Despite these advantages, he lamented that Africa remains the “face of global poverty,” a condition he attributed to widespread bad leadership and entrenched corruption, challenges he said are glaringly evident in Nigeria.

He urged the European legislators to support Africa, and Nigeria in particular, by helping advance good governance and strengthening democratic processes. Such support, he said, should promote the rise of competent leaders with the integrity and capacity needed to transform their nations.

Obi also outlined key areas where support from the European Parliament could make a significant impact, including tackling insecurity, boosting power generation and distribution, and improving education and healthcare. He emphasised that lifting Africans out of poverty would yield direct benefits for Europe.

Highlighting the plight and potential of Nigerian youths, Obi stated that millions possess a strong entrepreneurial spirit and productivity drive but are held back by limited opportunities. He called for investments and targeted support to unlock this vast human capital.

He affirmed that Africa and Nigeria, in particular, must work for all and contribute meaningfully to global progress.

“A New Nigeria is POssible,” Obi said.