25/05/2026
Peter Obi Holds Talks With South African Ministers Over Immigration Tensions, Denies Rift With Atiku Ahead of 2027
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has met with senior South African government officials to address rising immigration tensions involving Nigerians in South Africa, while also dismissing reports of a political rift with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi held discussions with South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber; Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa; and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, during his visit to Cape Town for an international governance conference.
The talks focused on migration issues, youth unemployment, security concerns, and growing tensions affecting African migrants, particularly Nigerians residing in South Africa.
Obi called for stronger bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, urging both governments to prioritize dialogue, justice, and peaceful conflict resolution in handling migration-related challenges.
He also appealed for calm among citizens of both countries, warning against violence and xenophobia, and stressing the importance of lawful and constitutional engagement.
On domestic political speculation, Obi dismissed claims that he was distancing himself from Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a long-standing ally and respected elder.
“There are very few human beings who are as close as I am to Atiku… I don’t run from him,” he said, insisting their relationship remains intact despite political developments ahead of 2027.
Obi, who previously aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition before exiting, also reiterated that his decisions were not driven by personal disagreements.
He further used the opportunity to contrast Nigeria’s banking system with that of the United Kingdom, arguing that access to credit abroad is more merit-based compared
