My Message Was Twisted — Peter Obi Denies Telling UK-Based Nigerians To Abandon Relatives

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has denied asking Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to stop supporting their relatives financially, accusing political opponents of distorting his message on the country’s economic hardship.

Obi clarified that he was not calling on Nigerians in the diaspora to abandon family members who depend on them for financial assistance but was advocating for an economy that would enable citizens to meet their basic needs without relying on relatives abroad.

The former Anambra State governor made the clarification in a statement titled “My Message Has Been Twisted,” posted on X on Tuesday.

He praised Nigerians in the diaspora for their sacrifices in supporting families back home, noting that their remittances help millions of people meet essential expenses.

“I deeply appreciate Nigerians in the diaspora who work tirelessly and make enormous sacrifices to support their families back home,” he said.

“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.”

Obi explained that his concern was the growing dependence on financial support from abroad, arguing that Nigeria should create an environment where citizens can earn a living and access essential services without relying on relatives overseas.

“My concern is that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival,” he said.

“Our goal must be to build a nation that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities for its citizens.”

The former presidential candidate accused political opponents of deliberately misrepresenting his remarks, insisting that his position was directed at addressing the root causes of economic hardship 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.

The clarification followed criticism of comments Obi made during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in the diaspora in Manchester on Sunday.

A video of the meeting circulated widely on social media, drawing reactions after Obi urged Nigerians in the UK to stop giving money to relatives and other people at home who approached them for financial assistance.

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

Obi argued that continued financial assistance could provide temporary relief without resolving the underlying problems responsible for the country’s economic difficulties.

He attributed the hardship facing Nigerians to poor leadership and called on diaspora members to encourage their relatives and friends at home to support leaders who would prioritise productivity and create economic opportunities.

His subsequent statement sought to distinguish his criticism of Nigeria’s dependence on diaspora remittances from the sacrifices Nigerians abroad make to keep their families afloat.

Obi maintained that his position was not that Nigerians should withdraw support from their loved ones but that the country should build an economy capable of providing jobs, healthcare, education and other necessities without forcing millions to depend on money sent from abroad.