Presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has held talks with South African ministers as concerns grow over immigration tensions affecting Nigerians living in the country.
The engagement comes as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ramps up preparations ahead of the 2027 general election, while Obi also responded to speculation about strained relations with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Obi, who is in South Africa for an international conference, met senior government officials following complaints from Nigerian residents about rising hostility and immigration-related friction.
In a statement shared on his X account from Cape Town, Obi disclosed that he held discussions with South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.
The meetings focused on migration management, youth unemployment, security challenges, and growing tensions involving African migrants in South Africa.
He stressed the need for stronger bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, urging both sides to embrace dialogue, justice, and respect for the rule of law in addressing disputes.
Obi also appealed for calm among citizens of both countries, warning against violence and inflammatory actions while encouraging lawful means of resolving grievances.
Responding to claims that he was distancing himself from Atiku ahead of the 2027 polls, Obi dismissed the suggestion, describing the former vice-president as a close associate.
Speaking at the Spier Dialogue 2026 governance forum in Cape Town, he said their relationship remained cordial.
“There are very few human beings who are as close as I am to Atiku… I don’t run from him. Never!” he said, adding that his approach to politics simply differs.
Obi and Atiku had previously aligned under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition platform, which aimed to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
However, Obi has since exited the coalition, insisting his decision was not driven by personal disagreements with Atiku or former Senate President David Mark.
The former governor also drew comparisons between lending systems in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, highlighting what he described as a more merit-based approach abroad.
Reflecting on his experience in United Kingdom, Obi said access to credit was based on trust in individual ability rather than collateral.
“I lived in the UK, I went to the bank and told them about my education in Cambridge and Oxford, and they gave me a loan,” he said.
“They didn’t ask about my parents. It was based on intellectual capacity, and I repaid it.”
He argued that such opportunities would be difficult to access in Nigeria, where lending practices are heavily dependent on collateral and family background.
“In my country, I wouldn’t get that type of loan. They would ask for family properties and guarantees,” he added.
The comments formed part of his broader argument for economic and institutional reforms as political activity around the 2027 elections gathers momentum.
