Peter Obi has held talks with South African government ministers in a bid to ease rising tensions between officials and Nigerian residents in the country.
The opposition leader and NDC presidential candidate for 2027 arrived in South Africa on Friday for an international conference. On Saturday, he said he met Nigerians in Cape Town to hear firsthand about the immigration challenges they face.
Obi disclosed on X that he followed those discussions with meetings on Saturday morning with three South African ministers and party leaders.
Those present included Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber of the Democratic Alliance, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa of the Inkatha Freedom Party, and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie of the Patriotic Alliance.
The talks, Obi said, covered migration, economic hardship, youth unemployment, security, and the growing friction faced by African foreigners in South Africa.
“Nigeria and South Africa, as two major African nations, must deepen dialogue, increase cooperation, and pursue solutions rooted in justice, mutual respect, and the rule of law,” he stated.
He stressed the need for responsible leadership, compassion, and restraint from both leaders and citizens. All sides agreed on the importance of law-abiding conduct, avoiding violence and hate, and allowing lawful institutions to resolve grievances through democratic processes.
“The future of Africa depends on our ability to build unity, promote economic inclusion, invest in our communities, and uphold the dignity of every African, wherever they live,” Obi added.
