The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has denied asking Nigerians in the United Kingdom to stop supporting their families at home, saying his comments were misrepresented.
Obi said his message during a town hall meeting in Manchester was twisted by political opponents.
In a personal statement posted on his verified X handle on Tuesday titled “My Message Has Been Twisted,” the former Anambra State governor said he holds Nigerians in the diaspora in high regard for their sacrifices.
He noted that remittances from abroad help many families pay school fees, hospital bills, rent and feeding expenses.
“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 have never asked them to abandon their loved ones,” he said.
Obi explained that his concern was about Nigeria’s worsening economic situation that has forced millions to depend on relatives abroad for survival.
According to him, Nigeria should build a system that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and economic opportunities so citizens do not have to rely on external support for basic needs.
“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 a viral video from the Manchester engagement where Obi told diaspora Nigerians to stop sending money to relatives begging them at home, urging them instead to push for better leadership.
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