NDC Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reiterated the need for Africa and Nigeria to play a more prominent role in global affairs, stressing that the continent should be treated as an equal partner in shaping the future world order.
Obi made this known following a series of engagements in London on Tuesday, including a meeting with Alex Vines, Director of the Africa Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).
Sharing details of the meeting on his X handle, Obi said the discussions centred on strengthening strategic relationships and promoting a broader understanding of Africa’s place in an evolving global landscape.
According to him, there was a shared view that Africa should no longer be seen merely through the lens of humanitarian challenges or demographic statistics but as a key player in global development and decision-making.
“Our discussions focused on strengthening strategic relationships and fostering a deeper understanding of Africa’s evolving role in global affairs,” Obi stated.
He added: “It was emphasized that Africa must no longer be viewed merely through the prism of statistics or humanitarian concern, but as a serious and equal partner in shaping the future global order, much like India, Indonesia, and other emerging centres of influence.”
The former Anambra State governor noted that the engagement reinforced the importance of positioning Africa, particularly Nigeria, at the heart of international conversations on trade, governance, innovation and sustainable development.
“During our engagement, it became increasingly clear that Africa, and Nigeria in particular, must be placed at the centre of international conversations on partnership, trade, governance, innovation, and sustainable development,” he said.
Obi further stressed that meaningful cooperation between Africa and the rest of the world can only be achieved through mutual respect and constructive dialogue.
“Constructive dialogue and mutual respect remain essential to building meaningful cooperation between Africa and the international community,” he added.
The former presidential candidate described the meeting as part of his ongoing efforts to deepen knowledge and contribute positively to society through engagements with global stakeholders.
He concluded his message with his signature phrase: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
