Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has denied telling Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to stop supporting relatives who depend on them financially.
The former Anambra State governor said his comments about Nigeria’s hardship had been twisted by political opponents. He insisted that he respected Nigerians abroad who sacrifice to support their families back home.
In a statement titled “My Message Has Been Twisted”, shared on X on Tuesday, Obi said, “I deeply appreciate Nigerians in the diaspora who work tirelessly and make enormous sacrifices to support their families back home,”
He added, “Theirs remittances pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent, and feeding expenses. Their patriotism and sacrifices deserve our profound respect. I never asked them to abandon their loved ones.”
Obi explained that his concern was Nigeria’s growing dependence on money sent home by relatives abroad to meet basic needs.
“My concern is that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival,” he said.
He called for a country that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and economic opportunities.
The clarification followed criticism of his remarks at a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester on Sunday.
In a viral video, Obi urged Nigerians in the UK to reject requests for money from relatives and others at home, arguing that such help could ease hardship without solving its causes.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said.
He blamed poor leadership for Nigeria’s economic problems and urged Nigerians abroad to encourage their relatives and friends to vote for leaders who prioritise productivity and economic opportunities.
