Peter Obi denies asking Nigerians in UK to abandon families over money requests

Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has denied asking Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to abandon their families over financial requests, insisting that his comments were aimed at addressing the country’s economic challenges. Read Here.

Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accused his political opponents of distorting his message, stressing that he never asked Nigerians in the diaspora to stop supporting their loved ones back home.

In a post on his X account on Tuesday, the former governor said he considered it necessary to address the controversy despite a clarification already issued by his media office.

Obi expressed appreciation for Nigerians abroad who make sacrifices to support their families, noting that their remittances help cover essential expenses, including school fees, hospital bills, rent and feeding.

He wrote, “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.”

According to him, his concern was that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions of citizens depend on relatives overseas to meet their basic needs.

“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,” he stated.

Obi called for a country that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and economic opportunities, enabling citizens to cater for themselves and their families without depending on financial assistance from abroad.

He further accused unnamed political opponents of misrepresenting his position, maintaining that his message was a call for better governance and improved living conditions.

“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 Obi’s remarks at a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he urged attendees to stop automatically responding to financial demands from people back home.

According to a report, Obi told the gathering, “You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!”

His comments generated reactions, with some interpreting them as a call for Nigerians abroad to withdraw financial support from their relatives.