Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has met with former South African President Thabo Mbeki and former Botswana President Ian Khama during a high-level engagement in South Africa focused on African unity, peace, and institutional development.
Obi disclosed the meeting in a statement shared on his X account on Sunday, describing the encounter as his final engagement in Cape Town before departing for Johannesburg.
According to him, the meeting provided an opportunity to appreciate the two former African leaders for their contributions to peacebuilding and their recent comments on immigration-related tensions within the region.
“My final engagement before leaving Cape Town for Johannesburg yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting two distinguished former leaders, President Ian Khama of Botswana and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa,” Obi stated.
“This meeting was an opportunity for me to express my heartfelt appreciation for their positive comments on the recent immigration issues in the region and their continued advocacy for peace and unity among African nations,” he added.
Obi praised both leaders for their enduring influence and contributions to the African continent even after leaving office.
“Both Mr Khama and Mr Mbeki continue to hold significant respect across the continent due to their remarkable contributions, both during and after their presidencies,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also revealed that he reunited with former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during the visit.
According to Obi, Fayemi delivered a keynote address at the Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture, where discussions centred on rebuilding African unity and strengthening institutions across the continent.
“During my audience with Mr Mbeki, I also reconnected with my good friend, former Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, who delivered a keynote address at the Thabo Mbeki Africa Day lecture, focusing on the themes of rebuilding unity and revitalising institutions throughout the continent,” Obi noted.
The event was organised by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation as part of activities marking Africa Day celebrations.
