2027: Stop sending money home, Obi tells Nigerians in UK

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reconsider sending money to relatives who frequently seek financial assistance, arguing that such support does little to address the country’s underlying problems.

Obi advised Nigerians in the diaspora to encourage their family members at home to vote for leaders capable of delivering good governance and improving the economy.

He spoke on Sunday during a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester, UK, where he attributed Nigeria’s economic difficulties to poor leadership.

According to the former Anambra State governor, financial assistance from Nigerians abroad may ease the suffering of their relatives temporarily but does not tackle the governance failures responsible for their hardship.

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

Obi also defended his record as governor, particularly his management of public funds, arguing that his approach to financial prudence set him apart from other state chief executives.

“I’m not saying I’m a saint, but I saved money. I’ve not seen one governor who has saved 10 per cent of what I saved. No governor has done it.

“Let’s start with this one that is less corrupt. That’s how other countries change.”

He said his interactions with Nigerians reinforced the importance of citizens taking collective responsibility for the country’s future.

Obi maintained that meaningful national development would require Nigerians to look beyond immediate financial relief and demand accountability and responsible leadership from those in public office.

He further urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general election, describing it as a crucial opportunity to influence the country’s direction through their votes.