Peter Obi Speaks In Germany, Says Good Governance Is Nigeria's Biggest Missing Link

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said Nigeria's economic transformation and long-term development depend on competent leadership, accountable governance and strong public institutions.

Obi made the remarks during a high-level roundtable discussion titled "Nigeria in 2027 and Beyond" held at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) office in Berlin, Germany.

In a statement shared on his verified X account on Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor said the event brought together policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, development experts, representatives of international organisations and members of the international media to discuss Nigeria's future and its place in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Reflecting on the discussions, Obi said he emphasised that Nigeria possesses abundant human and natural resources capable of driving sustainable economic growth and national prosperity.

However, he argued that those resources can only be fully harnessed through competent, accountable and compassionate leadership.

According to him, Nigeria requires leaders who will prioritise investments in education, healthcare, productive enterprise, the rule of law and institutional development rather than what he described as the politics of consumption.

Obi maintained that improving governance standards remains critical to addressing the country's economic and social challenges.

He said effective leadership would also help create an enabling environment for private sector growth, attract investment and strengthen public confidence in government institutions.

The former governor stressed that Nigeria's future remains promising if the country adopts policies that encourage productivity, fiscal responsibility and inclusive economic development.

"Nigeria's future is bright, but only if we make the deliberate choices that will move our country from consumption to production, from poverty to prosperity, and from division to unity," Obi said.

He added that embracing good governance, sound fiscal management and productive partnerships with the international community would help build an economy that works for all Nigerians.

According to Obi, such reforms would also restore Nigeria's standing in the global community and position the country as a competitive and respected economy.

The Berlin engagement forms part of ongoing international conversations on Nigeria's political and economic outlook ahead of the 2027 general election, with participants examining governance, investment opportunities and the country's role in regional and global affairs.