Nigeria’s H.E. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, delivered a powerful performance at the 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference (ATC) themed “The Making of Africa’s Future Presidents”. Held in the Palmerston Room at St John’s College,
The event sparked dynamic discussions on governance, youth engagement, and African economic reform. Obi’s technocratic vision and candid reflections captivated attendees, cementing his status as a leading voice for Africa’s political future.
Notably, South Africa’s Hon. Julius Malema was absent due to UK visa processing delays, a minor footnote in an otherwise impactful session. Obi’s session saw prominent Nigerians like former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, General Abdulrahman Dambazau, former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of the Interior, Maazi Tochukwu Ezeoke, CEO of Njenje Media Group.
During the conversation, Obi outlined a three-point plan he would implement within his first 100 days in office, were he to become president. His top priorities include securing lives and property, improving the Human Development Index (HDI) through investments in health and education, and addressing endemic poverty.
“The number one priority of anybody who has the opportunity to serve should be the security of life and property,” Obi stated. “The most important measure of development is the Human Development Index, which includes health, education, and pulling people out of poverty.”
He attributed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity to deepening poverty, particularly in the North, and emphasised that investing in education and primary healthcare is key to building sustainable peace.
Addressing corruption, Obi advocated for leading by example, noting that integrity at the top can transform public service.
“If you’re not stealing, your wife isn’t stealing, and your children aren’t stealing – you reduce corruption by 50%,” he asserted. “You cannot approve what others steal if your own hands are clean.”
Recalling his tenure as Anambra State Governor from 2006 to 2014, Obi described bold steps taken to reduce government excess, including rejecting the traditional Office of the First Lady, shutting down state lodges outside Anambra, and eliminating unnecessary expenditures. These moves, he said, were initially misunderstood but later widely accepted when the results became visible.
He also addressed coalition-building, urging that political alliances must be based on common purpose and shared values, not mere opportunism.
“Let’s come together to fight poverty, insecurity, and hunger—not to maintain a crime scene,” Obi said to wide applause.
On the potential of youth-led change, Obi praised movements in countries like Zambia and Botswana that have shifted political landscapes through civic participation. He stressed that real change is possible in Nigeria, despite the country’s size and complexities.
“Nigeria is a huge ship. Turning it around is not easy, but it is possible. We have started something, and we must continue. The most important lesson is that it is possible.”
Although he stopped short of declaring a run in the 2027 elections, Obi made it clear that his focus remains on transformative leadership and governance built on equity and progress.
In discussing education, Obi lamented the fall in respect and compensation for teachers, arguing that investment in education is foundational for national development.
“Education is not an expense—it’s an investment,” he said. “Every nation that has progressed—China, Vietnam, Indonesia—did so by investing in education, health, and production.”
He also condemned extravagant government spending, including the controversial purchase of luxury vehicles for National Assembly members, while professionals such as professors and doctors struggle to make ends meet.
“Corruption kills entrepreneurship, professionalism, and hard work,” he warned. “In Nigeria, we celebrate those who steal public money while professionals are left behind.”
Peter Obi ended the session with a rallying call to young Nigerians: to remain engaged, hopeful, and committed to building a better country
Photos from the event:
