Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the worsening condition of Nigerians abroad, revealing that many citizens facing xenophobic attacks in South Africa would rather face death there than return to Nigeria.
Speaking at a dinner for National Democratic Coalition (NDC) aspirants in Abuja on Monday, Obi recounted his recent visit to South Africa, where he engaged with the Nigerian community and political leaders.
“I just came back last night from South Africa. You know what Nigerians are going through there and in so many other African countries,” Obi said. “I told them that if things were working in our country as they should, most of them wouldn’t be there. We provided facilities for some to return, but they rejected the offer. They told me they would rather die there than come back because things are even worse at home.”
Obi disclosed that he met with former South African President Thabo Mbeki and several cabinet ministers to advocate for the safety of Nigerians and foster better relations between South African citizens and other African nationals.
The former presidential candidate took a swipe at the Federal Government for its perceived failure to protect and support its citizens in the diaspora.
“It is not only in South Africa that Nigerians have problems,” he noted. “I have asked leaders in these countries if our government has visited to intervene, and the answer is no. If your country is not there for you, who will care for you? Is it an outsider?”
Obi also lamented Nigeria’s internal security crisis, contrasting the country’s current instability with its historical role as a leader in global peacekeeping. “Nigeria played a role in securing nations since the Second World War. Today, we cannot secure ourselves. This is unacceptable,” he added.
**NDC Shifts on Electronic Voting**
At the same event, NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson explained why the party could not deploy electronic voting for its current primaries. While stating that the platform is ready, Dickson noted it requires further testing to ensure technical stability.
“By the next round of elections, every registered voter will use their phone to vote,” Dickson promised. “That is the direction the Nigerian general elections should be heading, and the NDC will show the way.”
Also speaking, Buba Galadima, former Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the NNPP, urged aspirants to remain loyal to the party regardless of the primary outcomes, noting that only one candidate can fly the flag for each constituency.
