By Ghazali Ibrahim
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has denied asking Nigerians living abroad to stop supporting their loved ones at home, accusing political opponents of twisting his message.
Obi clarified his position in a post on X on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following criticism of his remarks at a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom.
At the meeting, the former Anambra State governor urged Nigerians abroad to reject requests for money from people back home, saying, “You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!”
His comments sparked controversy, with critics arguing that many Nigerian families depend on remittances from relatives abroad to pay for food, school fees, medical bills and rent.
Reacting to the backlash, Obi said he appreciated Nigerians in the diaspora who worked hard and made sacrifices to support their families.
“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,” he said.
He added, “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.”
Obi argued that Nigeria needed to create jobs, provide affordable healthcare, improve education and expand economic opportunities so citizens could meet their basic needs without depending on relatives overseas.
He also accused political opponents of deliberately misrepresenting his remarks.
“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 stated.
The controversy has divided political groups, with the Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party and Social Democratic Party criticising his earlier remarks over concerns that they could hurt vulnerable families.
Obi’s clarification shifts the focus to his argument that Nigerians should not have to depend on relatives abroad for basic survival in a country with abundant human and natural resources.
