Obi Engages South African Ministers on Immigration Issues

Peter Obi, a presidential aspirant from the Nigeria Democratic Congress, met with South African ministers, including Leon Schreiber, Velenkosini Hlabisa, and Gayton McKenzie, to address increasing immigration tensions involving Nigerian residents in South Africa. Obi pushed back against suggestions that he was avoiding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential elections.

He stressed the importance of stronger cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, urging both governments to pursue solutions anchored in justice, mutual respect, and dialogue under the rule of law. Obi warned against violence and hate provocations and called for grievances to be addressed within the legal framework.

He also spoke at the sidelines of the Spier Dialogue 2026 Pan African Governance Forum in Cape Town, where he mentioned that he respects Atiku as a leader and elder brother. Obi indicated that his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress coalition was not due to personal issues with Atiku.