Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congres(NDC) Peter Obi, has met with the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, to discuss Nigeria’s forthcoming elections and ways to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.

Obi disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday following his visit to the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria.

He said the meeting, held at the invitation of the Canadian mission, focused on Canada’s continued support for Nigeria’s democratic processes ahead of the elections.

According to him, the discussions also covered trade and investment, economic development, education and measures to increase women’s participation and representation in politics.

Obi said he emphasised the importance of building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Nigeria, arguing that such a country would serve Canada’s strategic interests while creating opportunities for stronger bilateral relations.

“I reiterated my conviction that a well-governed, peaceful, stable and prosperous Nigeria is firmly in Canada’s strategic interest,” he said.

The former presidential candidate said a properly governed Nigeria would unlock the country’s economic potential and create opportunities for deeper partnerships between Nigeria, Canada and the wider African continent.

He also stressed the need to strengthen democratic institutions and increase citizens’ participation in governance.

Obi said Nigeria must develop a political system that gives every citizen, irrespective of gender, background or circumstance, a meaningful opportunity to participate in governance.

He expressed readiness to sustain engagement with Canada’s diplomatic and business communities in pursuit of partnerships capable of contributing to a more prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria.