Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on Africans in the diaspora to play a more active role in promoting credible elections, good governance and accountable leadership, saying Africa’s future depends on citizens’ commitment to defending democracy.

Obi made the appeal while delivering a keynote address at the Mandela Hall of the African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York on the theme, “The Role of the African Diaspora in Sustainable Development across Africa.”

In a statement issued on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor said that despite Africa’s vast human and natural resources, poor leadership has continued to hinder development and deepen poverty across the continent.

He noted that Africa is home to more than 1.5 billion people, including over one billion young people of productive age, and possesses nearly one billion hectares of arable land, much of which remains uncultivated.

According to him, “the missing link is leadership with capacity, compassion, character and commitment to good governance.”

Obi urged Africans abroad to leverage the knowledge and experience gained in countries with stronger democratic institutions to support reforms and strengthen governance in their home countries.

“Even where you cannot vote, your voices matter. They should be heard both at home and abroad whenever things are going wrong on our continent. Stand firmly for what is right and speak truth to leaders,” he said.

He added that beyond remittances, the diaspora has a responsibility to promote accountability and encourage credible electoral processes.

The former governor cited Japan, China and India as examples of countries that have successfully harnessed the expertise and investments of their diaspora communities to drive national development.

Obi maintained that credible elections remain the foundation of legitimate governments and sustainable development, stressing that only transparent electoral processes can produce leaders capable of building strong institutions, implementing people-centred policies and unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

He therefore urged Africans in the diaspora to remain committed to defending democratic values and supporting initiatives that promote electoral integrity, accountability and inclusive development across the continent.