Former Nigerian Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi is in Chicago, Illinois, to participate in the 2024 International Leaders Forum (ILF). The event, which is holding on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention from August 19 to 22, 2024, brings together distinguished political leaders from over 91 countries.
The Board of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) personally invited Mr. Obi and two other eminent Nigerians, including Nigeria’s former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, and about 200 other influential leaders.
The ILF is a platform for top politicians and policymakers around the world to observe the democratic process in the United States and engage in discussions on global democracy trends.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Obi welcomed the opportunity to build relationships and share experiences with leaders from other countries and ideological perspectives. He said it was an opportunity to identify common interests while addressing pressing challenges to democratic institutions, values, and norms.
In a statement he released Wednesday, Mr. Obi quoted NDI President Tamara Wittes on the essence of trust in a democracy: “Democracy is about communities making collective decisions even when people may have real differences of view – and so healthy democracy relies on fostering open dialogue and trust.” He echoed the sentiment that political discourse and elections could devolve into zero-sum, existential battles without trust.
The ILF conference featured presentations from high-ranking U.S. political leaders, including DNC Chair, Jamie Harrison, former DNC Chair and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, the former Prime Minister of Denmark, and the former NATO Secretary General.
Mr. Obi said he hoped African leaders would learn from advanced democracies about respect for rule of law and state institutions.
“I am elated to be part of this process of conversations on global democracy trends and look forward to what promises to be fruitful deliberations and constructive engagement,” Mr. Obi concluded.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
