Obi Denies Asking Nigerians Abroad to Abandon Families, Defends Diaspora Remarks

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has clarified that he never asked Nigerians living abroad to abandon their families or withdraw financial assistance from relatives at home.

Obi made the clarification in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, following reactions to his remarks during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The former Anambra State governor accused political opponents of distorting his message, despite an earlier clarification issued by his media office.

He acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the diaspora to support their families, noting that remittances helped millions of households pay school fees, medical bills, rent and food expenses.

Obi said such contributions deserved recognition and respect, stressing that his comments were not intended to discourage Nigerians abroad from assisting their loved ones.

“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 explained that his central concern was the economic situation forcing many Nigerians to rely on relatives overseas to meet essential needs, arguing that the country should create conditions that allow citizens to support themselves and their families.

Obi called for a Nigeria that provides employment opportunities, affordable healthcare, quality education and a decent standard of living, reducing the need for households to depend on financial assistance from abroad.

He maintained that diaspora remittances should contribute to national development rather than remain essential to the survival of millions of families struggling with economic hardship.

The clarification followed his address to diaspora supporters in Manchester on Sunday, during which he urged Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reject money requests from people at home and encourage their relatives to support productive leaders in the 2027 general elections.

His comments generated criticism and debate, with some interpreting them as a call to stop sending money to family members. Obi, however, insisted that his intention was to challenge the economic conditions that make such support necessary.

“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.

He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to support efforts to build a country where citizens could meet their basic needs through decent work and effective public services.