Former presidential candidate and ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has said many Nigerians facing xenophobic attacks and hardship in South Africa would still rather stay there than return to Nigeria because of the worsening situation at home.
Obi made the disclosure during a dinner organised for aspirants of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) in Abuja, following his recent visit to South Africa.
According to a statement issued by the NDC media team, Obi said several Nigerians he met abroad expressed frustration over conditions in Nigeria and rejected offers aimed at helping them return home.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said many of them believed that despite the discrimination and difficulties they faced abroad, opportunities and living conditions were still better than what they would encounter back home.
“I just returned from South Africa and interacted with Nigerians there. Some of them openly told me they would rather remain there than come back to Nigeria because they feel things are more difficult at home,” Obi stated.
He said the development reflected deeper governance and economic challenges confronting the country, adding that many Nigerians were leaving the country out of desperation rather than choice.
Obi maintained that if Nigeria’s economy, security and public institutions were functioning effectively, citizens would not be compelled to seek survival in foreign countries under hostile conditions.
The former governor disclosed that he met with political leaders and former South African President Thabo Mbeki to discuss the growing concerns over xenophobia and relations between South Africans and other African nationals.
According to him, the discussions focused on promoting understanding, cooperation and improved treatment of Nigerians and other immigrants living in South Africa.
Obi also criticised the Federal Government for what he described as insufficient diplomatic engagement in addressing the plight of Nigerians abroad.
He said several foreign leaders he had interacted with admitted that Nigerian authorities rarely follow up on issues concerning their citizens overseas.
“It is not only in South Africa. Nigerians are facing challenges in different countries, yet government presence and support are often missing,” he said.
“If your country does not defend your interests, it becomes difficult for others to take you seriously.”
He further expressed concern over Nigeria’s growing insecurity, noting that the country once played leading roles in global peacekeeping missions but now struggles to tackle insecurity within its own borders.
“Nigeria used to contribute to peacekeeping efforts across the world, but today we cannot adequately secure our own nation. That is a serious issue,” he added.
Meanwhile, NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, said the party postponed plans to deploy electronic voting during its primaries to allow for further testing of the system.
Dickson said the digital platform had already been developed and would likely be introduced in future exercises as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s electoral process.
Also speaking at the event, NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima urged aspirants who may not secure party tickets to remain committed to party unity and avoid actions capable of weakening the platform ahead of future elections.
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