Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has denied claims that he urged Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to abandon relatives who rely on them for financial support, stating that political opponents distorted his message about hardship in Nigeria.
Obi stated that he appreciated Nigerians in the diaspora who made sacrifices to support their families back home, emphasizing that his concern was the country’s dependence on remittances to meet basic needs.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday titled “My Message Has Been Twisted,” 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,” he 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.”
Obi stated that his message was aimed at drawing attention to the economic conditions forcing millions of Nigerians to rely on relatives abroad for their 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.”
He accused his political opponents of distorting his remarks, maintaining that his stance was aimed at tackling the root causes of hardship rather than deterring 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 came after backlash over remarks Obi made on Sunday during a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester.
In a video that went viral, Obi called on Nigerians in the UK to stop giving money to relatives and others back home who asked them for financial help, arguing that such support could ease hardship without tackling its root causes.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. ↻ Tell them no!” he said.
Obi blamed the country’s economic difficulties on poor leadership and called on Nigerians abroad to encourage their relatives and friends at home to vote for leaders who would prioritize productivity and economic opportunities.
