What Does Chatham House Have to Do With Us?

The fact that a ‘neutral forum’ must be sought outside of Nigeria, can only be a reflection of a deep mistrust of the country that many of the speakers themselves have pledged to snatch from the jaws of corruption.

Written by Afoma Dike

Jan 30, 2023

Chatham House / CHATHAMHOUSE.ORG

Editor’s note: This essay is available in our print issue, Godfathers: An Introduction. Buy the issue here.

Since Buhari’s successful 2015 campaign for the presidency included an appearance at Chatham House, Nigerian presidential candidates have made it a pit stop during the race. In the lead up to this month’s general elections, we have seen three out of four frontrunners of the Nigerian presidential candidates speak at London’s Chatham House; Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All-Progressives Congress (APC); Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

If Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential hopeful, speaks at Chatham House ahead of the polls in February, it will be the second time he does so; the first being in April 2018 ahead of the 2019 presidential election.

WHAT IS CHATHAM HOUSE?

The Royal Institute of International Affairs, also known as Chatham House, is a London-based non-profit think tank, founded in 1920. It is an independent institution that concerns itself with governments, the private sector and civil society, as a means of fostering debates around developments in the international sphere.

Historically, Chatham House has attracted those who wish to have their voices amplified via a well-established and esteemed platform. Here, the various speakers seek the kind of ‘legitimacy’ that comes about through Western recognition. Arguably, for the three frontrunners of next month’s general elections that have spoken there this election cycle, therein lies the appeal of Chatham House.

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About the Author

Afoma Dike

is a writer based in Lagos and a former Associate Editor at The Republic.

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What Does Chatham House Have to Do With Us?

WHAT IS CHATHAM HOUSE?