… accuses political opponents of distorting message
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, on Tuesday, clarified his remarks, allegedly urging Nigerians in diaspora to stop sending money to relatives back home.
According to him, he was only advocating an end to economic dependence rather than asking them to abandon their families back in Nigeria.
In a post on his verified X handle, Obi said his message had been distorted by political opponents, despite an earlier clarification by 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 wrote.
The NDC presidential flagbearer had come under attack after reportedly telling Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reconsider sending money to relatives and other people in Nigeria seeking financial assistance.
Obi, who was addressing supporters at a town hall meeting with diaspora Nigerians in Manchester, had urged Nigerians abroad to encourage their relatives at home to reject financial dependence and support leaders capable of improving the economy.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he had said.
He argued that continued financial assistance from Nigerians abroad could ease the immediate hardship faced by families but would not address the underlying governance and economic problems responsible for their difficulties.
But in his clarification, Obi acknowledged the contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora, describing their financial support for families at home as deserving of respect.
He added, “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 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.”
