Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on Africans living in the diaspora to play a more active role in promoting credible elections, accountable leadership and good governance across the continent.
Obi made the appeal while 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 Role of the African Diaspora in Sustainable Development across Africa.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor said Africa possesses enormous human and natural resources but continues to struggle with poverty due to poor leadership.
According to him, the continent is home to more than 1.5 billion people, including over one billion young people, and has vast arable land capable of driving economic growth if properly managed.
“The missing link is leadership with capacity, compassion, character and commitment to good governance,” Obi said.
He urged Africans abroad to use the knowledge, experience and exposure gained in countries with stronger democratic institutions to support reforms in their home countries.
Obi stressed that the role of the diaspora should go beyond financial remittances, encouraging them to speak out against bad governance and support transparent electoral processes.
“Even where you cannot vote, your voices matter. Stand firmly for what is right and speak truth to leaders,” he stated.
The former governor cited countries such as Japan, China and India as examples of nations that have benefited from the expertise and investments of their diaspora communities.
He also noted that African professionals in sectors such as healthcare, education and technology could make significant contributions to the continent’s development if governments created the right environment.
Obi maintained that credible elections remain the foundation of sustainable development, insisting that transparent electoral processes are essential for producing leaders capable of building strong institutions and delivering meaningful progress.
He urged Africans in the diaspora to continue defending democratic values and supporting initiatives that promote electoral integrity, accountability and inclusive development across Africa.
Source: Statement by Peter Obi.
