Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has linked easier visa access for Nigerians and improved security to better governance, saying foreign countries are more likely to trust Nigerians when the country’s conditions improve.

Obi made the remarks at the “Obi Talks Nigeria” town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, where he also spoke about hunger, poverty and the 2027 elections.

Obi Speaks On Visa Challenges

In a video from the event circulating on social media, including a post by X user @ChuksEricE, Obi said Nigerians would face fewer difficulties obtaining foreign visas when other countries see evidence that Nigeria is improving.

“The day foreign countries find out that things have started working in Nigeria, Nigerians can start travelling abroad without struggling for visas like we are doing now,” he said.

Daily Post also reported related comments in which Obi attributed visa denials partly to economic inequality and argued that reforms would reduce Nigerians’ desire to travel abroad.

“No rich man will open their door for poor people, that’s why many countries are denying Nigerian visas,” he was quoted as saying.

Hunger And Insecurity

Obi also argued that insecurity cannot be effectively addressed without tackling hunger and poverty.

“To fight insecurity in Nigeria, it will be fought in two ways. It’s hard to fight insecurity when there is hunger,” he said.

His comments reflect his broader political argument that economic production, poverty reduction and national security are closely connected.

Obi Warns Against Electoral Intimidation

The former Anambra State governor also addressed the 2027 elections, saying his supporters would no longer accept intimidation at polling units.

He argued that coordinated voter participation could make it more difficult for electoral manipulation to occur, noting that polling units typically have only a few officials serving several voters.

Obi also referenced the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal, known as IReV, while discussing concerns about the integrity of election results.

Obi And Kwankwaso Lead NDC Ticket

Obi is the NDC presidential candidate for the 2027 election, with former Kano State Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.

The two politicians moved to the NDC from the African Democratic Congress earlier in 2026 as part of preparations for the 2027 presidential contest.

The Port Harcourt meeting was held under the “Obi Talks Nigeria” banner, with Obi appearing in NDC-branded clothing carrying the message “Nigeria Will Be OK.”