The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has denied urging Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to abandon relatives who rely on them financially, saying his comments about hardship in Nigeria had been distorted by political opponents.
Obi said he valued Nigerians in the diaspora who made sacrifices to support their families back home, stressing that his concern was the country’s reliance on remittances to meet basic needs.
In a statement titled “My Message Has Been Twisted”, published on X on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor said he had 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 said his message was intended to highlight the economic conditions forcing millions of Nigerians to depend on relatives abroad 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.”
He accused political opponents of misrepresenting his remarks, maintaining that his position focused on tackling the root causes of hardship rather than 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 criticism of comments Obi made during a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester on Sunday.
In a video that went viral, Obi urged Nigerians in the UK to stop giving money to relatives and others at home who requested financial assistance. He argued that such support could ease immediate hardship without addressing its underlying causes.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said.
Obi blamed Nigeria’s economic difficulties on poor leadership and urged Nigerians abroad to encourage their relatives and friends at home to vote for leaders who would prioritise productivity and economic opportunities.