The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has denied asking Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to stop sending money to their relatives in Nigeria, saying his remarks were aimed at addressing the economic conditions forcing millions to depend on financial support from abroad.
Obi made the clarification in a statement titled “My Message Has Been Twisted,” posted on his X handle on Tuesday, accusing political opponents of misrepresenting his position on diaspora remittances.
The former Anambra State governor said he appreciated Nigerians abroad for supporting their families despite the sacrifices involved, stressing that he never asked them to abandon their loved ones.
In his words: “I deeply appreciate Nigerians in the diaspora who work tirelessly and make enormous sacrifices to support their families back home.
“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 explained that his concern was Nigeria’s growing dependence on money sent home by citizens living abroad, arguing that the country should provide an environment where people can meet their basic needs through employment and access to essential services.
“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.”
The NDC presidential candidate accused his political opponents of deliberately twisting his message, insisting that his position was directed at addressing the root causes of economic hardship rather than discouraging family support.
“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 reactions to comments Obi made during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in the diaspora in Manchester on Sunday.
A video of the meeting circulated widely on social media after Obi urged Nigerians in the UK to stop giving money to relatives and others who approached them for financial assistance in Nigeria.
You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said.
During the meeting, Obi argued that continued financial assistance offered temporary relief without addressing the underlying problems responsible for the country’s economic difficulties.
He attributed the hardship to poor leadership and urged Nigerians in the diaspora to encourage their relatives and friends at home to support leaders who would prioritise productivity and create economic opportunities.
In his subsequent statement, Obi maintained that his position was not a call for Nigerians abroad to withdraw financial support from their families but an argument for building an economy that would reduce dependence on remittances.
He said Nigeria should provide jobs, healthcare, education and other basic necessities so that citizens would not have to rely on relatives overseas to survive.
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