Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has met with ambassadors of European Union member states in Abuja, urging the international community to stand with Nigerians in defending their right to freely choose their leaders in the 2027 general election. The meeting took place on Thursday, 5 November 2026, the same day Obi held talks with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria.
Cost of Living, Governance and Elections on the Agenda
In a statement posted on his social media pages on Friday, Obi said the meeting with the EU envoys came at the invitation of the European Union. He said the discussions centred on the cost of living and welfare of Nigerians, the state of governance in the country, and the forthcoming elections.
According to the statement, which was also reported by Peoples Gazette and TVC News, Obi used the occasion to renew his appeal to the international community to support the democratic right of Nigerians to choose their leaders in a free, fair and peaceful environment. He described respect for citizens’ freedom to decide who governs them as “the very essence of democracy.”
The former Anambra State governor thanked the EU for the invitation and the opportunity for what he called an important engagement, signing off with his familiar slogan, “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
Earlier Talks With the British High Commissioner
Before meeting the EU ambassadors, Obi held talks with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles, at the High Commissioner’s residence in Abuja, according to Naija News. Obi said they discussed governance, the welfare of Nigerians and the 2027 elections.
He stressed that his appeal to foreign partners was not a request for backing for any particular candidate or political party, but for support for a credible process in which Nigerians’ votes count. Obi also used the visit to congratulate the British people on King Charles III’s birthday.
Neither the EU delegation nor the British High Commission had issued public statements on the meetings as of the time of writing.
A Tense Pre-Election Climate
The diplomatic engagements come at a time of rising political temperature ahead of the 2027 polls. Earlier this week, vehicles in Obi’s convoy were attacked by hoodlums in Calabar, Cross River State, an incident in which police later arrested a suspect. The Inspector-General of Police has also ordered a crackdown on the destruction of campaign materials across the country.
Elsewhere in the opposition, a Federal High Court in Abuja this week nullified Atiku Abubakar’s nomination as presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a ruling the party has vowed to appeal. Meanwhile, Obi’s supporters have launched a citizens’ fundraising drive for his campaign, led by activist Aisha Yesufu.
International partners, including the EU, have deployed election observation missions to Nigeria in past general elections and have repeatedly called for credible, transparent polls.
What Happens Next
Obi is expected to continue his campaign tour across the states in the coming weeks. Diplomatic missions in Abuja typically meet leading candidates ahead of major elections, and similar engagements with other contenders may follow as the race heats up.
Sources: Peter Obi’s official statement, Peoples Gazette, TVC News, Naija News.
