Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, were among the distinguished global leaders invited to the 2024 International Leaders Forum, held alongside the Democratic National Convention in the United States.
Peter Obi shared this news in a statement accompanied by photos posted on social media on Wednesday.
According to Obi, he, Osinbajo, and another Nigerian were invited by the Board of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) to join global leaders in exchanging experiences, fostering relationships, and addressing critical challenges to democratic institutions, values, and norms.
Obi stated, “Following a personal invitation from the Board of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, I, along with two other prominent Nigerians and approximately 200 distinguished political leaders from over 91 countries, including former heads of government, were invited to participate in the 2024 International Leaders Forum on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, held from August 19-22, 2024.”
He expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am honored and grateful to Senator Thomas Daschle and the Board of NDI for the gracious invitation. Over the years, NDI has recognized and invited key senior politicians and policymakers from around the world to observe an important aspect of the United States of America’s democratic process.”
Obi further noted that the forum offered a platform for leaders from various nationalities, ideologies, and regions to build relationships, identify both unique and shared interests, and tackle pressing challenges facing democratic institutions.
The forum featured presentations and discussions with top US political figures, including DNC Chair Jamie Harrison and former DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, as well as international leaders like the Prime Minister of Kosovo, the former Prime Minister of Denmark, and the former NATO Secretary General.
Obi added that for those from Africa’s emerging democracies, the ILF provided an invaluable opportunity to learn from others and share experiences in strengthening democratic systems.
