At a time when Africa’s democratic institutions, economic development and international partnerships face growing scrutiny, the 11th Annual London Political Summit and Awards (LPSA) 2026 brought political leaders, diplomats, business representatives and civil society stakeholders together to advance dialogue on peace, accountable governance and sustainable development.

Held from 12–14 October in London, the three-day summit honoured the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and the Summit’s Global Grand Patron, while recognising distinguished African leaders, including Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto and the governors of Nigeria’s Benue and Sokoto States.

Founded and convened by Mazi Godson Azu, the London Political Summit continues to provide an international platform for democratic engagement, political reconciliation, trade, investment and stronger Africa–UK relations.

The programme opened with a Business Dialogue at the Institute of Directors, London, on 12 October, followed by a parliamentary session at the House of Commons on 13 October, hosted by Rt. Hon. Oliver Ryan MP, Member of Parliament for Burnley. It concluded with the International Awards Gala Dinner at the Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington, on 14 October.

A central feature was a tribute to Raila Odinga delivered by Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, former Kenyan representative to the United Nations and former Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

Titled “Raila Amolo Odinga: A Life Given to Parliamentary Democracy,” the tribute reflected on his struggle for multiparty democracy, detention without trial, constitutional reform and commitment to peaceful political change.

It recalled his service as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, following the disputed 2007 elections, and his contribution to the power-sharing settlement that helped restore stability and advance the country’s 2010 Constitution.

His historic 2018 reconciliation with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and subsequent work as the African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development were also highlighted as examples of political dialogue and Pan-African cooperation.

Ojiambo’s tribute emphasised that Odinga’s lasting legacy extended beyond political office to strengthening democratic institutions, reconciliation and accountable leadership.

Parliamentary Dialogue Strengthens Diplomatic Engagement

The House of Commons session brought together political leaders, diplomats, traditional rulers, academics and development stakeholders.

Following welcoming remarks by Rt. Hon. Oliver Ryan MP, Rt. Hon. Afzal Khan MP delivered the opening address.

Other contributions came from representatives of The Gambia and Ghana High Commissions; the Benue State Government, represented by Hon. Dr. Margaret Adamu, Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management; and the Sokoto State Government, represented by Deputy Governor Engr. Idris Mohammed Gobir.

Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Irene Maswan, also delivered remarks on behalf of the Kenyan High Commissioner and government.

Distinguished participants included representatives of the Kenya High Commission, including Head of Chancery Mr. Alifo; HRH Oba Ambassador Dr. Olusegun Aderemi JP; HRM Obongwanwan Marie Erete; Professor Kishan Devani BEM; and Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo.

In an emotional tribute, Ambassador Maswan invited participants to honour Odinga with a minute of applause, reflecting the respect accorded to the late statesman across Africa and internationally.

The concluding gala brought together diplomatic representatives, political leaders, traditional rulers, academics, community champions and business stakeholders.

Among those attending were the Worshipful Mayor of Islington, Councillor Rosaline Ogunro; Gambian High Commissioner Dr. Fatou Bensouda; Ambassador Irene Maswan; Sokoto Deputy Governor Engr. Idris Mohammed Gobir; Hon. Dr. Margaret Adamu; Professor Kishan Devani BEM; Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo; HRH Oba Ambassador Dr. Olusegun Aderemi JP; Professor Erinma Bell MBE DL; Professor Elewachi Okike; and Mrs. Bisi Adebayo.

The evening was anchored by Ms. Rosé Graham and opened with the national anthems of the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, The Gambia and Kenya, followed by a minute of silence for Raila Odinga.

Welcoming guests, Summit Founder and Convener Mazi Godson Azu thanked participating governments, diplomatic missions, partners and stakeholders for supporting the initiative.

He reaffirmed the Summit’s commitment to democratic peace, accountable leadership, environmental protection, climate resilience, investment and international cooperation.

Gambian High Commissioner Calls for Peace, Trade and Women’s Empowerment

Delivering the keynote address, Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, stressed the importance of justice, equality, peace and women’s participation in leadership and economic development.

She advocated stronger international trade and productive economic partnerships rather than excessive dependence on foreign aid.

Her message reinforced the importance of inclusive governance, stronger institutions and mutually beneficial cooperation in creating sustainable opportunities across Africa.

President Ruto, Raila Odinga and Nigerian Governors Receive Honours

A defining moment was the posthumous presentation of the Raila–Uhuru Africa Peace Accord Award to Raila Odinga, recognising his contributions to democratic reform, reconciliation and Pan-African peacebuilding.

Kenyan President Dr. William Samoei Ruto received the LPSA Africa President of the Year 2026 Award, recognising leadership initiatives identified by the organisers.

Both honours were received by Deputy High Commissioner Ambassador Irene Maswan, accompanied by Ambassador Dr. Josephine Ojiambo.

The awards were presented by Mayor Rosaline Ogunro, supported by Gambian High Commissioner Dr. Fatou Bensouda, Sokoto Deputy Governor Engr. Idris Mohammed Gobir and Benue State representative Hon. Dr. Margaret Adamu.

Nigeria’s Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, received two awards, including the LPSA Africa Subnational Governor of the Year 2025/2026, recognising the administration’s reported contributions to education, peaceful coexistence and development.

The awards were received on his behalf by Commissioner Margaret Adamu.

Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto received the LPSA Africa Subnational Governor of the Year 2026 Award for infrastructure and social development, represented by Deputy Governor Engr. Idris Mohammed Gobir.

The recognition highlighted the importance of subnational leadership in delivering public services, education, infrastructure and grassroots economic opportunities.

Diaspora Leadership and Community Mobilisation Recognised

The Summit also celebrated contributions to diaspora engagement, international community development and Africa’s global relationships.

Among those honoured was Mentoring Cmdt Alistair, President TECD FOUNDATION and NIDMECORP, who was a recipient of an award recognising his contributions to diaspora leadership and mobilisation.

The recognition acknowledged the wider importance of diaspora networks in connecting African communities with opportunities for investment, knowledge exchange, mentoring and international partnerships.

Such contributions reflect the growing role of Africans abroad in supporting their countries of origin through enterprise, advocacy, skills development and institutional cooperation.

Strengthening Africa’s Future Through Peace and Partnerships

As the 11th London Political Summit concluded, its tribute to Raila Odinga provided a reminder that democracy, peace and economic progress are closely connected.

The gathering joined the Odinga family, the people of Kenya and the international community in commemorating the late statesman’s legacy of political reconciliation and Pan-African solidarity.

Through its business dialogue, parliamentary engagement, diplomatic participation and international awards, the Summit reinforced London’s role as a meeting point for African leadership and global partnerships.

Beyond the recognition of individual achievements, the broader challenge remains translating political dialogue into stronger institutions, investment, employment, peaceful societies and measurable improvements in people’s lives.

The Summit’s enduring message was that Africa’s progress depends not simply on visionary leadership, but on democratic accountability, peaceful cooperation and partnerships capable of delivering shared prosperity.

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