Peter Obi meets U.S. Consul General in Lagos, focuses on elections and trade

Politics

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential aspirant Peter Obi on Tuesday held talks with United States Consul General Rick Swart in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. In a statement, Obi said the meeting centered on strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and the U.S., with emphasis on credible elections and fostering a political environment where opposition parties can thrive and contribute to national development.

The former Anambra Governor noted that discussions also covered trade and business opportunities between both countries. He was accompanied by Dr Adefolaseye Adebomi Adebayo. Summing up the engagement as “very productive,” Obi expressed optimism that Nigeria’s elections will become more transparent and credible ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting comes days after Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC in Abuja, a move that has reshaped the opposition landscape in Africa’s largest democracy. Analysts say the defections, coupled with a wave of exits from the ADC, have fuelled speculation that the 2027 presidential race could evolve into a three-horse contest involving incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.