BY AHMED AKANBI
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has denied asking Nigerians in the United Kingdom to abandon relatives who depend on them for financial support.
Obi said his message on Nigeria’s hardship was 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 appreciates sacrifices by diaspora Nigerians supporting families at home.
”I deeply appreciate Nigerians in the diaspora who work tirelessly and make enormous sacrifices to support their families back home,” he said.
He noted that remittances pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent, and feeding.
“Their patriotism and sacrifices deserve our profound respect. I never asked them to abandon their loved ones,” he added.
Obi said his concern was Nigeria’s dependence on remittances for basic survival, stressing the need to build a productive economy.
”My concern is that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival. Our goal must be to build a nation that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities for its citizens,” he said.
He accused opponents of twisting his message, insisting he was addressing causes of hardship, not 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 added.
The clarification followed backlash over comments he made at a town hall with supporters in Manchester on Sunday.
In a viral video, Obi had said: “You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” He argued such support eases hardship without fixing underlying causes.
He also attributed Nigeria’s economic difficulties to poor leadership and urged diaspora Nigerians to encourage relatives at home to vote for leaders who prioritise productivity and opportunity.