Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has denied urging Nigerians in the United Kingdom to abandon relatives who rely on them for financial support, claiming his remarks on economic hardship were distorted by political opponents.
In a statement titled “My Message Has Been Twisted,” posted on X on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor said he never asked Nigerians abroad to stop supporting their loved ones.
“I deeply appreciate Nigerians in the diaspora who work tirelessly and make enormous sacrifices to support their families back home,” Obi said.
“Their 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.”
He explained that his concern was the country’s dependence on remittances to meet basic needs, adding that his message was meant to highlight the economic conditions forcing millions of Nigerians to rely on relatives overseas for survival.
“My concern is that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival,” he said.
“Our goal must be to build a nation that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities for its citizens.”
Obi accused his opponents of misrepresenting his comments, insisting that he was addressing the root causes of hardship, not discouraging financial support for families.
“Political opponents may twist my message, but the truth remains clear: I am not asking Nigerians abroad to abandon their families. I am advocating for a Nigeria that will no longer abandon its own people,” he said.
The clarification followed backlash over remarks he made on Sunday at a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester.
In a video that went viral, Obi urged Nigerians in the UK to stop giving money to relatives and others back home who asked them for help, arguing that such assistance could ease hardship without tackling its underlying causes.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said.
He blamed the country’s economic difficulties on poor leadership and urged Nigerians abroad to encourage relatives and friends at home to vote for leaders who would prioritise productivity and economic opportunities.
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