The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Mr Peter Obi, on Thursday said he held talks with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, the economy and the need to strengthen the country’s institutions.
Obi disclosed this in a statement after the meeting, describing the discussions as thoughtful and focused on issues critical to Nigeria’s development.
According to him, both sides deliberated on the importance of ensuring that future elections in Nigeria are free, fair, credible and reflect the will of the people.
“Earlier today, I met with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Dr Richard Montgomery. We had a thoughtful discussion on the state of our democracy, the economy, the importance of strengthening our institutions, and the need to ensure that our elections remain free, fair, credible, and truly reflective of the will of the Nigerian people,” Obi said.
Peter Obi and Dr Richard Montgomery
The former Anambra State governor also used the opportunity to commend the British envoy, who is expected to conclude his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria next month, for his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.
He noted that Montgomery’s tenure had been characterised by constructive engagement and support for Nigeria’s democratic and economic development.
“As Dr Montgomery prepares to conclude his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria next month, I thanked him for his service and for the role he has played in strengthening the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. His time in Nigeria has been marked by constructive engagement and support for our democratic and economic development,” Obi stated.
The NDC presidential candidate wished the British High Commissioner success in his next diplomatic posting and expressed optimism that the relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom would continue to flourish.
“I wished him well as he prepares for his next assignment and thanked him for the friendship and cooperation he has extended to Nigeria throughout his tenure. I look forward to seeing the strong relationship between our two countries continue to grow,” he added.
Peter Obi and Dr Richard Montgomery
Obi concluded his statement with his familiar campaign slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
The meeting comes as political consultations and diplomatic engagements continue ahead of the 2027 general election, with issues of electoral integrity, institutional reforms and economic recovery expected to dominate national discourse in the months ahead.