The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has travelled to Germany and the United Kingdom for a series of high-level engagements as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi disclosed this in a post on his social media platforms on Thursday, after returning to Abuja from visits to Benue and Plateau states.

The former Anambra State governor said his engagements in Europe focused on issues he considered fundamental to Nigeria’s future, including democracy, electoral integrity, poverty, education, corruption and healthcare.

He said the discussions also examined practical measures that could improve the lives of Nigerians and preserve their dignity.

“After returning to Abuja on 8th September 2026, following our visits to Benue and Plateau States, I travelled to Europe, first to Germany and then to the United Kingdom,” Obi stated.

According to him, he was encouraged by the willingness of international partners to support Nigeria, particularly in the education sector.

Obi said education remained the most important investment the country could make in its citizens, arguing that sustainable national development would be difficult without building the knowledge, skills and capabilities of Nigerians.Join Diaspora Networks

He also reiterated his call for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s economic direction.

“We must intentionally transition Nigeria from consumption to production, from dependence to productivity, from wasteful practices to responsible resource management, and from division to a common national purpose,” he said.

The NDC candidate said his objective was to build a country where every child could access quality education, democracy would genuinely reflect the will of the electorate, healthcare would be accessible and public resources would be managed responsibly

He added that every Nigerian should have a fair opportunity to live a dignified and productive life.

Obi’s trip comes amid intensifying political activities by presidential contenders ahead of the 2027 elections.

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, also recently departed Nigeria for the United States and Canada as part of a North American tour linked to his 2027 campaign.

Sowore is expected to engage Nigerians in the diaspora, supporters, activists and other stakeholders during his stay, while also participating virtually in campaign activities in Nigeria.

The AAC said his absence would not disrupt the #Sowore2027 campaign. It said its campaign would continue to push for what it described as revolutionary transformation, equal rights and justice, rather than a return to the existing political establishment.

President Bola Tinubu has also travelled to Europe, with the Presidency saying he departed Abuja for a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave.Follow Federal Policy

According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s first destination was London, United Kingdom, and he would return to Nigeria at the end of the working vacation.

The movements come against the backdrop of heightened preparations for the 2027 presidential contest, following the commencement of the official campaign period by the Independent National Electoral Commission on August 19. The 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027.