‘My message was twisted’ — Obi tackles critics over diaspora remarks

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has clarified his recent comments urging Nigerians living abroad to tell relatives asking for money to stop depending on them financially.

Obi said he was not asking Nigerians in the diaspora to abandon their families but calling for an end to economic dependence.

In a post on his verified X account, the former Anambra State governor said his message had been misrepresented by political opponents, despite an earlier clarification from his media office.

“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.

Obi had faced criticism after reportedly advising Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reconsider sending money to relatives and other people in Nigeria who regularly seek financial assistance.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with his supporters in Manchester, Obi urged Nigerians abroad to encourage their relatives at home to stop depending on them financially and support leaders who could improve the country’s economy.

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

He explained that while money sent home by Nigerians abroad could help families meet their immediate needs, it would not solve the wider economic and governance problems affecting the country.

In his clarification, Obi praised Nigerians in the diaspora for their sacrifices and support for their families back home.

He noted that money sent to Nigeria helps many families pay school fees, hospital bills, rent and feeding expenses.

According to him, the contributions of Nigerians living abroad deserve respect because many work hard and make sacrifices to support their loved ones.

Obi stressed that his concern was not about stopping financial assistance to family members but about building a country where people could meet their basic needs without depending on relatives abroad.

He said Nigeria should provide more jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and economic opportunities for its citizens.

Obi maintained that the country must work towards an economy that allows Nigerians to support themselves and their families without constantly relying on financial help from abroad.