Ex-Anambra governor decries xenophobia, faults Federal Government’s response, as NDC outlines plans for electronic voting

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has sounded a stark warning over the growing hardship faced by Nigerians overseas, disclosing that many enduring xenophobic attacks in South Africa are unwilling to return home due to deteriorating conditions in Nigeria.

Obi, who recently visited South Africa, shared the troubling insight on Monday in Abuja during a dinner with aspirants of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). His remarks were conveyed in a statement released Tuesday by the party’s media team.

According to him, several Nigerians abroad openly rejected arrangements made to bring them back, insisting that the situation at home is even more difficult than what they currently face.

“I just returned from South Africa, and the reality of what Nigerians are going through there and across other African countries is deeply concerning,” Obi said. “We made provisions for their return, but many told me they would rather remain there because conditions in Nigeria are worse.”

During the visit, Obi said he engaged top South African figures, including former President Thabo Mbeki and key cabinet ministers, in discussions aimed at improving relations between South Africans and other African nationals.

“I held extensive talks with three ministers who are influential political leaders in their own right. We discussed practical ways to ease tensions and foster better coexistence, and the conversations were productive,” he noted.

Obi also criticised the Nigerian government’s handling of citizens in distress abroad, questioning the apparent absence of official support.

“It’s not just South Africa—Nigerians face challenges in many countries. When I asked if our government had reached out to them, the answer was no. If your country doesn’t stand by you, who will?” he asked.

He further lamented Nigeria’s declining security capacity, contrasting it with the country’s historic contributions to international peacekeeping.

“Nigeria once played a leading role in securing other nations, but today we struggle to secure ourselves. That is unacceptable,” Obi said.

Meanwhile, NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, explained the party’s decision to delay the use of electronic voting in its primaries. While the system is ready, he said more testing is needed to prevent technical failures.

“Going forward, within the next few months and certainly before the next general elections, our members will be able to vote using their mobile phones,” Dickson assured.

He emphasised that the NDC is being built on strong ideological foundations and a commitment to service, rather than as a platform for individual ambitions.

Also addressing the gathering, Buba Galadima, a former NNPP Board of Trustees secretary, urged aspirants to remain loyal to the party regardless of the outcome of the primaries.

He noted that time constraints imposed by the current political environment make unity essential, reminding contenders that only one candidate can emerge per constituency