The 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has attributed the increasing difficulty Nigerians face in obtaining visas to the country’s high level of poverty.
Obi made the statement on Thursday during a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he argued that wealthy countries were reluctant to open their borders to people from poorer nations.
The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria must address its economic challenges and improve the living conditions of its citizens to change the perception of Nigerians internationally.
“No rich man will open their door for poor people, that’s why many countries are denying Nigerian visas,” Obi said.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians would have less reason to travel abroad for opportunities if his proposed reforms were implemented.
“By the time we are done reforming Nigeria, Nigerians won’t like to be travelling outside like now. Even when they apply for a visa, they can easily get it,” he said.
Obi is the presidential candidate of the NDC in the 2027 election, with former Kano State Governor, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, as his running mate.
The duo left the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in May following internal disputes and legal challenges within the party.
