The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has refuted claims that he urged Nigerians living in the diaspora to abandon their families or cut off financial support to relatives back home.
Obi made the clarification in a post on his official X account on Tuesday, following controversy generated by his statements during a town hall meeting in Manchester, United Kingdom. At the gathering, the former Anambra State governor had urged Nigerians living in the diaspora to say no to persistent financial demands from home to draw attention to the economic challenges of the nation.
The NDC presidential candidate accused political opponents of twisting his Manchester town hall statements, stressing that his comments were aimed at addressing the systemic conditions of the nation.
“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…Even though my media office has issued a responsible clarification on the situation, I still find it necessary to add my voice to address the distortion of my message by political opponents. 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.”
Obi emphasized that diaspora contributions remain essential for millions of households struggling with basic living costs across the country.
“I never asked them to abandon their loved ones. 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 explained that his advocacy centers on creating an environment where citizens can provide for themselves through sustainable economic opportunities.
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