By Samuel Timothy
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, were among the distinguished global figures invited to the 2024 International Leaders Forum. This event was held on the periphery of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, from August 19-22, 2024.
Peter Obi shared the news through a statement and social media posts on Wednesday. He revealed that the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs extended the invitation to him, Osinbajo, and one other Nigerian leader to join a group of approximately 200 political leaders from over 91 countries. The forum aimed to foster dialogue on democratic institutions, values, and norms, while facilitating relationship-building among global leaders.
Obi expressed his appreciation for the invitation extended by Senator Thomas Daschle and the NDI Board. He noted that the forum was designed to provide a platform for leaders from various backgrounds to exchange insights and address common challenges facing democratic systems.
The forum featured discussions with prominent US political figures such as DNC Chair Jamie Harrison and former DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, as well as international dignitaries including the Prime Minister of Kosovo, the former Prime Minister of Denmark, and the former NATO Secretary General.
Obi highlighted that the ILF provided valuable opportunities for leaders from Africa’s emerging democracies to gain insights and share experiences in strengthening democratic practices.
