The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that he urged Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to abandon family members who depend on them for financial assistance.
Obi said his comments during a meeting with Nigerians in Manchester were misrepresented, insisting that his intention was to draw attention to the economic hardship forcing many families in Nigeria to rely on relatives living abroad.
In a statement titled “My Message Has Been Twisted”, published on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the former Anambra State governor said he recognized and appreciated the sacrifices Nigerians in the diaspora make to support their loved ones at home.
He explained that money sent by Nigerians abroad helps millions of families meet essential needs, including school fees, medical bills, rent and food.
Obi stressed that he never intended to discourage such support, noting that the contributions of Nigerians living overseas deserved respect and appreciation.
“I never asked them to abandon their loved ones,” he said, maintaining that his concern was the growing dependence on relatives abroad for basic survival.
According to him, Nigeria should strive towards an economy where citizens can earn enough to provide for themselves and their families without relying heavily on financial assistance from overseas.
He argued that the country needed a system capable of providing employment opportunities, affordable healthcare, quality education and an improved standard of living.
How the controversy started
The clarification followed reactions to comments Obi made during a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester on Sunday.
At the gathering, he urged Nigerians living in the UK to reject repeated requests for money from people back home, arguing that continued financial assistance could ease immediate suffering without addressing the underlying problems responsible for the hardship.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” Obi said during the meeting.
His remarks generated debate, with some people interpreting them as a call for Nigerians abroad to stop supporting their relatives financially.
However, Obi maintained that his central message was about the need to address the root causes of poverty rather than discourage family members from helping one another.
Obi calls for better governance
The former Anambra governor accused political opponents of twisting his comments, insisting that his position had been taken out of context.
He argued that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions of citizens depend on relatives overseas to afford basic necessities.
“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.
Obi also urged Nigerians to support leadership that would prioritize productivity, economic opportunities and the welfare of citizens.
The controversy comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, with economic hardship, governance and the cost of living expected to remain major issues in public debate.
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