Nobody Twisted Your Statement, Onanuga Tackles Obi Over Diaspora Comments

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has challenged Peter Obi over his explanation of comments concerning Nigerians living abroad, insisting that the former Anambra State governor’s original remarks were not misrepresented.

Onanuga made his position known in a post on his X account on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, responding to Obi’s claim that political opponents had distorted his message during a recent engagement with Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom.

“Mr Peter Obi, you failed to clarify your Manchester callous statement. Nobody twisted your statement. Thank you for affirming it again,” Onanuga wrote.

The exchange followed a clarification issued by Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, after his comments about financial assistance from Nigerians in the diaspora generated controversy.

During his interaction with Nigerians in Manchester, Obi had urged those living abroad to challenge relatives and acquaintances requesting financial assistance to support leaders capable of improving governance in Nigeria.

His remarks attracted criticism from some Nigerians who argued that financial support from relatives abroad remained essential for many households struggling with the country’s economic challenges.

In response, Obi said his message had been distorted by political opponents. He explained that he recognised and appreciated the sacrifices of Nigerians abroad, particularly their contributions towards supporting families at home.

According to the former governor, remittances from Nigerians in the diaspora help relatives pay school fees, hospital bills, rent and other essential household expenses.

He maintained that he was not asking Nigerians abroad to abandon their families or withdraw financial assistance from loved ones.

Instead, Obi argued that Nigeria should build an economy capable of providing citizens with employment, affordable healthcare, quality education and opportunities to meet their basic needs without excessive dependence on relatives overseas.

He said his central concern was the growing number of Nigerians who rely on financial support from family members abroad to survive.

Obi further maintained that the government should create conditions that enable citizens to live with dignity and support themselves through improved economic opportunities.

However, Onanuga rejected the explanation, insisting that Obi had not adequately clarified the original remarks.

The disagreement has added to the political exchanges surrounding Obi’s public comments as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.