The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that he urged Nigerians living abroad to stop sending money to their families back home, insisting that his comments were misrepresented.
Obi said his message was not intended to discourage financial support for relatives but to highlight the need for Nigeria to become a country where citizens can meet their basic needs without depending heavily on remittances from abroad.
The clarification follows controversy over remarks he made during a town hall meeting with supporters in the United Kingdom.
According to reports, Obi had urged Nigerians in the diaspora to encourage relatives requesting financial assistance to support good governance at the ballot box.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no! Let’s put somebody who has proven to be productive,” he said.
The comments sparked reactions, prompting Obi’s media office to issue a statement on Monday night denying that the former Anambra State governor had asked Nigerians abroad to abandon their family members financially.
Obi Says Remarks Were Taken Out Of Context
In a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, Obi said his message had been distorted by political opponents and stressed that he considered the contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora important to the survival of many households.
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He explained that remittances sent home by Nigerians abroad help families pay for essential expenses, including school fees, medical bills, rent and food.
“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.
Obi maintained that he had never asked Nigerians living abroad to withdraw support from their loved ones.
“My concern is that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival,” he added.
The NDC presidential candidate argued that Nigeria should prioritise policies capable of creating an environment in which citizens can earn a living and provide for themselves and their families.
He listed employment opportunities, affordable healthcare, quality education and access to economic opportunities as essential elements of a country that meets the needs of its people.
Obi also accused political opponents of twisting his remarks, insisting that his position was about improving governance rather than discouraging family support.
“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 said.