‘I Never Asked Nigerians Abroad to Abandon Their Families’ — Peter Obi

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has rejected claims that he advised Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to stop sending money to their relatives at home, insisting that his comments on economic hardship were taken out of context.

The former Anambra State governor said his message was about reducing Nigerians’ dependence on remittances for basic survival, not discouraging diaspora support for family members facing financial difficulties.

Obi made the clarification in a statement titled “My Message Has Been Twisted”, posted on X on Tuesday, following criticism of his remarks at a town hall meeting in Manchester on Sunday.

He praised Nigerians abroad for their contributions to the welfare of their families, saying their financial assistance helps cover essential expenses, including education, healthcare, housing and food.

“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.”

The NDC candidate maintained that Nigeria should strive to create an economy in which citizens can meet their basic needs without relying heavily on relatives living overseas.

“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 also accused political opponents of misrepresenting his position, arguing that his remarks were intended to highlight the failures contributing to widespread economic hardship.

“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.

Viral video sparks controversy

The controversy followed a video from Obi’s interaction with diaspora supporters in Manchester, where he urged Nigerians in the UK to turn down requests for money from people at home.

“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said.

In the remarks, Obi argued that continued financial assistance might provide temporary relief without tackling the structural problems responsible for hardship in Nigeria.

He attributed the country’s economic difficulties to poor leadership and urged Nigerians in the diaspora to persuade their relatives and friends to support leaders committed to productivity and the creation of economic opportunities.

His subsequent clarification sought to distinguish his criticism of Nigeria’s dependence on remittances from any suggestion that Nigerians abroad should withdraw support from their families.

Africans Angle News