Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | journalist at wengglobal
Former Labour Party presidential candidate and prominent Nigerian opposition figure Peter Obi has called on Africans living in the diaspora to become stronger advocates for credible elections, accountable leadership, and good governance, insisting that their voices remain essential to the continent’s democratic future.
Obi made the appeal after delivering a keynote address at the Mandela Hall of the African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, where he spoke on the theme, “The Role of the Diaspora African in Sustainable Development Across Africa.” His remarks were later shared through his official social media platforms and widely reported by several Nigerian media organisations.
Speaking to an audience of diplomats, policymakers, development experts, business leaders and members of the African diaspora, Obi stressed that Africa possesses enormous human and natural resources but continues to struggle with widespread poverty because of persistent leadership failures.
According to him, the continent is home to more than 1.5 billion people, including a youthful population exceeding one billion, while also possessing nearly one billion hectares of arable land, much of which remains uncultivated. Despite these advantages, Africa continues to account for a significant proportion of the world’s extremely poor population, a reality he attributed primarily to poor governance rather than a lack of resources.
Obi argued that the greatest obstacle to Africa’s development is not the absence of opportunities but the shortage of leaders with competence, integrity, compassion and commitment to public service.
He described good governance as the foundation for economic growth, investment, social justice and democratic stability, adding that nations thrive when leaders place citizens’ welfare above personal or political interests.
A central theme of Obi’s address was the unique responsibility of Africans living abroad. He said millions of Africans residing in Europe, North America, Asia and other regions have firsthand experience of societies where democratic institutions function effectively, public accountability is stronger and governments are more responsive to citizens.
He urged them to use those experiences to influence positive reforms across Africa.
“Even where you cannot vote, your voices matter,” Obi said, encouraging diaspora Africans to speak openly whenever democratic values are threatened or governance standards decline. He urged them to engage political leaders constructively and consistently advocate transparency, accountability and electoral integrity.
The former Anambra State governor said democracy cannot flourish without credible elections, arguing that free, fair and transparent electoral processes remain essential for building citizens’ trust in government.
He noted that electoral credibility strengthens political legitimacy, promotes peaceful transitions of power and creates an environment where leaders remain accountable to the electorate.
Obi further encouraged Africans abroad to support civic education, democratic reforms and institutions that protect electoral integrity, adding that sustainable development depends on governments that emerge through transparent democratic processes.
Beyond political participation, Obi called on members of the African diaspora to contribute to the continent’s development through investments, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, education and skills development.
He said Africa’s diaspora community represents one of its greatest assets because of its global exposure, professional expertise and economic influence.
According to him, stronger collaboration between governments, private institutions and diaspora communities can accelerate innovation, create employment opportunities and improve social services across the continent.
The keynote address formed part of activities surrounding the African Union’s engagement with diaspora communities during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York.
The event brought together representatives from several African countries, international organisations, development agencies and diaspora associations to discuss practical strategies for advancing Africa’s development agenda.
Obi’s latest comments align with his long-standing emphasis on governance reforms, institutional accountability, fiscal discipline and investment in education and human capital.
Throughout his political career, he has consistently argued that responsible leadership remains the single most important requirement for transforming Nigeria and Africa.
Political analysts note that his message also resonates with ongoing conversations across Africa regarding electoral reforms, democratic consolidation and citizen participation.
Several African countries continue to implement reforms aimed at strengthening electoral commissions, increasing transparency and improving public confidence in democratic institutions.
Diaspora communities have increasingly become influential stakeholders in these discussions through advocacy campaigns, election observation initiatives, remittances and policy engagement.
According to international development experts, African diaspora communities contribute billions of dollars annually through remittances, investments and philanthropic initiatives that support education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and community development.
Many observers believe that their influence extends beyond financial contributions to include advocacy for democratic governance, institutional reforms and public accountability.
Obi therefore challenged Africans abroad not to remain silent whenever governance failures undermine development.
Instead, he urged them to remain actively engaged with developments on the continent, support initiatives that strengthen democratic institutions and encourage leaders to embrace transparency and responsible governance.
His remarks have generated significant discussion across social media platforms and political circles, with supporters describing the speech as a timely reminder of the important role diaspora Africans can play in shaping Africa’s future.
The speech also comes at a time when conversations surrounding governance, electoral reforms and political accountability continue to dominate public discourse across several African countries.
Observers say increasing citizen participation, stronger institutions and transparent elections remain critical ingredients for achieving sustainable economic development and political stability.
As Africa continues to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, experts argue that partnerships involving governments, civil society, private sector organisations and diaspora communities will remain essential for achieving long-term progress.
For Obi, however, such progress ultimately depends on leadership that prioritises competence, integrity and service above personal interests.
His message concluded with a call for Africans everywhere to remain committed to building democratic societies where governments are accountable, elections are credible and public institutions work for the benefit of all citizens.
Sources
Punch Newspapers,
Vanguard,
Peter Obi Official Facebook statement ,
Leadership Newspaper ,
