By Samuel Timothy
Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general election, has launched a significant U.S. tour, visiting three major cities to interact with Nigerians abroad. This three-day tour will see Obi traveling to Houston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, further continuing his series of engagements with Nigerians abroad as part of his vision for a “new Nigeria.”
The tour, running from October 24th to 26th, is framed as an opportunity for Peter Obi to extend his outreach to Nigerians living abroad, building on his previous engagements in North America. His prior tour took him to key cities like New York, Dallas, Detroit, and Toronto, where he has been advocating for the involvement of the Nigerian diaspora in the country’s future.
According to a statement from his campaign, this tour will serve as the final stage of Obi’s “North America Appreciation” visits. It emphasized his commitment to consistently engaging the diaspora on issues related to Nigeria’s future, as he envisions them as key stakeholders in the country’s growth. “The tour will be the last leg of his North America Appreciation visits that had earlier taken him to Toronto, Canada; Boston, MA; New York City, NY; West Orange, NJ; Cherry Hill, NJ; Dallas, TX; Charlotte, NC; and Detroit, MI,” the statement said.
Key Issues To Be Addressed By Peter Obi
Obi is expected to address key concerns about the current state of Nigeria, while reaffirming his mission to create what he has frequently referred to as a “New Nigeria.” The series of interactive meetings will give him a platform to lay out his plans while listening to the feedback and concerns of diaspora communities. His team stated that these sessions would allow Obi to “unveil his mission for a new Nigeria that is possible.”
Nigerians abroad have played a significant role in remittances and investments, contributing billions of dollars annually to the country’s economy. Obi has often noted the potential for diaspora Nigerians to influence policy and development, particularly in the areas of governance, economic growth, and the rule of law. His tour serves as a reminder that he values their input and sees them as key allies in Nigeria’s ongoing development.
While his bid for the presidency did not result in victory, his commitment to Nigeria’s transformation remains unwavering. His message to Nigerians, both at home and abroad, remains focused on unity, good governance, and creating a better future for all citizens. As Obi visits Houston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, the Nigerian diaspora in the U.S. is expected to receive him warmly, continuing the dialogue that has characterized his engagement over the past year.
