Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has asked Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to stop sending money to relatives and friends who seek financial help back home.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester on Sunday, Obi said giving people money might reduce their hardship temporarily but would not solve the problems caused by poor leadership.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor urged Nigerians abroad to encourage their loved ones to vote for leaders who can improve the country’s economy and provide better governance.
Obi also defended his record in public office, claiming he saved more public funds than other governors. He admitted he was not perfect but said his record stood out.
“I’m not saying I’m a saint, but I saved money. I’ve not seen one governor who has saved 10 per cent of what I saved. No governor has done it,” Obi said.
He challenged other governors to prove they had saved at least 10 per cent of the amount he claimed to have saved.
“I was not the only governor, and I challenge people if one governor can save 10 per cent of the money I saved, but there is nobody that did that.”
Obi urged Nigerians to start by supporting leaders they consider less corrupt. “Let’s start with this one that is less corrupt. That’s how other countries change,” he added.
He said building a new Nigeria required collective effort and urged citizens to take the 2027 election seriously, describing it as a critical moment for the country.
