Peter Obi urges EU to rethink Africa partnership, says leadership remains continent’s biggest challenge

Politics

STRASBOURG, France (NPA) — Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the European Union to adopt a new approach to its relationship with Africa, arguing that strong leadership and accountable governance remain the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Obi made the remarks on Thursday while addressing members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, where he advocated deeper Africa-EU cooperation built on genuine partnership, democratic values and sustainable development.

Speaking before lawmakers, the former Anambra State governor described Africa as “the last frontier of global development,” noting that despite its vast natural resources and youthful population, the continent continues to face significant developmental setbacks due largely to leadership failures.

According to Obi, Africa’s greatest challenge is not a shortage of resources or human capital but the absence of effective governance structures capable of driving economic growth and institutional development.

“A developed Nigeria would benefit Europe more than anyone else,” Obi told the parliamentarians, highlighting the close geographical and economic ties between Africa and Europe.

He urged European leaders to move beyond traditional aid-based relationships and embrace partnerships focused on good governance, youth empowerment, economic opportunity and democratic accountability.

Obi stressed that a stable and prosperous Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, would generate mutual benefits for both continents through enhanced trade, security cooperation and economic development.

He also called for sustained dialogue between African and European stakeholders, saying meaningful collaboration is essential to addressing shared challenges and unlocking new opportunities.

The engagement formed part of a series of high-level meetings held in Strasbourg, where Obi interacted with members of several European Parliament committees, including those responsible for Foreign Affairs, Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, Development, Transport and Tourism, as well as the Africa-EU Delegation.

Obi, recently unveiled as the presidential candidate of the NDC, has continued to promote his agenda centred on governance reform, economic productivity and youth inclusion under his “A New Nigeria Is Possible” vision.

Political observers say the European Parliament appearance is part of his broader international engagement strategy as attention gradually shifts toward Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The visit also adds to a growing list of diplomatic engagements between Obi and international stakeholders, reflecting increasing global interest in Nigeria’s political future and Africa’s evolving role in global development.