Precious Nwonu, Enugu

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has denied asking Nigerians living abroad to stop supporting their families at home, accusing political opponents of misrepresenting his recent comments on financial assistance to relatives.

Obi clarified his position in a post on X on Tuesday, following criticism over remarks he made during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The former Anambra State governor said his comments were intended to draw attention to the economic hardship forcing millions of Nigerians to depend on relatives overseas for their basic needs, rather than discourage financial support for families.

He acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that their remittances helped many households pay school fees, medical bills, rent and feeding expenses.

Obi said such contributions deserved recognition and respect, adding that his concern was the country’s continued dependence on money sent from abroad to sustain millions of citizens.

“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.

He argued that the government should prioritise job creation, affordable healthcare, quality education and economic opportunities to enable citizens to meet their needs without relying on relatives outside the country.

The NDC flag bearer accused unnamed political opponents of distorting his message despite an earlier clarification from 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,” Obi wrote.

His clarification followed comments he made at the Manchester meeting, where he urged Nigerians abroad to reconsider requests for financial assistance from relatives back home.

At the gathering, Obi told attendees to reject money requests, arguing that continued financial support could ease the immediate effects of poor governance without addressing the underlying causes of economic hardship.

“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said.

The remarks sparked mixed reactions, with some interpreting them as a call for Nigerians in the diaspora to withdraw financial support from their families.

Obi maintained that his position was focused on the need for better leadership and economic conditions that would allow Nigerians to live with dignity and provide for their loved ones.