Former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi alongside other notable Nigerian political figures on Wednesday attended the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago as a special guest of the National Democratic Institute based in Washington, DC.
Osinbajo, Obi and former Senate President Ken Nnamani were all invited according to the US-based NDI. The Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, was also said to have been invited, but it was not clear if he had honoured the invitation.
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is a notable non-profit and non-partisan organisation based in the United States that pushes Democratic values around the world.
The attendance of Osinbajo on such an august occasion, some analysts say, further demonstrates his increasing global engagement and international political profiles since his leaving office in May 2023.
The presence of these distinguished Nigerians at the Democratic National Convention underscores the importance of fostering global democratic values, and the role that African leaders play in shaping the future of democracy, both on the continent and worldwide.
Their participation in this event also signals a commitment to engaging with diverse political processes and learning from global experiences to enhance governance and democracy in Nigeria.
The Democratic National Convention, a significant event in the United States’ political calendar, serves as a platform where key policies and strategies are discussed by the Democratic Party, besides the formal nomination of the party’s presidential candidate, current US Vice President Kamala Harris.
The convention is also an opportunity for global leaders and stakeholders to observe and participate in discussions that could influence global political trends.
Founded in 1983, NDI has been at the forefront of supporting and strengthening democratic institutions around the world. The institute provides technical assistance to political parties, civic groups, and election processes, with a strong emphasis on promoting citizen participation, transparency, and accountability in governance.
Operating in over 50 countries, NDI is dedicated to fostering free and fair elections, advocating for the protection of human rights, and upholding democratic norms. The organisation’s work is instrumental in ensuring that democratic processes are robust and inclusive, enabling citizens to have a voice in how they are governed.
By attending the convention, Osinbajo and the other Nigerian leaders invited would engage with global democratic practices, exchange ideas with international counterparts, and bring valuable insights back to Nigeria.
The involvement of figures like Professor Osinbajo in such international political events demonstrates Nigeria’s active role in the global democratic community.
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