Obi to Diaspora Africans: Your voices matter when things go wrong

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Africans in the diaspora to remain actively involved in shaping the continent’s future, saying their voices are important whenever things go wrong in Africa.

Obi made the call while delivering a keynote address at Mandela Hall, African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, on Friday, July 10, 2026, during a discussion on “The Role of the Diaspora African in Sustainable Development across Africa.”

In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, Obi said Africa’s diaspora community has a significant role to play in promoting good governance, accountability and sustainable development across the continent.

He said although many Africans abroad live in societies where institutions function more effectively and accountability mechanisms are stronger, they have both an opportunity and responsibility to contribute to Africa’s progress.

“Even where you cannot vote, your voices matter. They should be heard both at home and abroad whenever things are going wrong on our continent. Stand firmly for what is right. Speak truth to the leaders who visit you. Let them know where they are getting it wrong,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor described Africa as a continent with enormous resources and human capital, noting that its vast mineral deposits, large arable land and youthful population provide opportunities for economic transformation.

He said Africa, with over 1.5 billion people and more than one billion young people in their productive years, has the potential to become a global food and economic powerhouse.

However, Obi expressed concern that despite the continent’s resources and potential, Africa remains home to a large proportion of the world’s poorest people.

He attributed the situation to what he described as the absence of competent leadership with capacity, compassion, character and commitment to good governance.

“The missing link is competent leadership with capacity, compassion, character and commitment to good governance,” he said, adding that getting leadership right would help unlock Africa’s potential.

Obi cited the experiences of countries such as Japan, China and India, arguing that diaspora communities contributed significantly to their economic and technological development.

He said Africa could also benefit from the expertise of its diaspora professionals, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, education, technology and innovation, if the right environment was created to attract their contributions.

The former presidential candidate called on diaspora Africans to support efforts towards free, fair and credible elections across the continent, describing electoral integrity as a foundation for legitimate governance.

“When we create the enabling environment necessary for sustainable development, we start unlocking Africa’s potential,” Obi said.

He urged Africans at home and abroad to work together towards building a continent defined by unity, peace, shared prosperity and sustainable development.