Former Labour Party presidential candidate and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential flag-bearer for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has held high-level talks with South African ministers and political leaders over growing immigration tensions and the treatment of African migrants in the country.
Obi, who arrived in South Africa on Friday for an international conference, first met with Nigerians residing in Cape Town, where he reportedly listened to complaints bordering on xenophobic attacks, immigration difficulties and concerns over safety.
The former Anambra State governor later held discussions with senior South African government officials, including Leon Schreiber, Velenkosini Hlabisa and Gayton McKenzie.
In a statement shared via his X account on Saturday, Obi described the engagements as “productive and candid,” noting that discussions focused on migration policies, economic challenges, unemployment, security concerns and rising tensions involving African foreigners in South Africa.
“Our conversations were productive and candid, focusing on the current challenges that affect both countries — particularly those related to migration, economic strains, youth unemployment, security issues, and the rising tensions faced by African foreigners in South Africa,” Obi stated.
The South African officials Obi met are key figures within the country’s coalition government and political landscape. Schreiber is a leading member of the Democratic Alliance, while Hlabisa heads the Inkatha Freedom Party and McKenzie leads the Patriotic Alliance.
The meetings come amid renewed debates in South Africa over immigration, unemployment and anti-foreigner sentiments, with several African migrants raising concerns over harassment and discrimination in some communities.
Observers say Obi’s intervention reflects growing diplomatic and political attention on the welfare of Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
