The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has advised Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom to reject requests for financial assistance from people back home and instead encourage them to support credible leaders in the 2027 general elections.

Obi made the appeal during a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester on Sunday, arguing that continued financial assistance to individuals struggling with economic hardship would not address the underlying problems caused by poor leadership.

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

The former Anambra State governor maintained that Nigeria’s economic difficulties were linked to the mismanagement of public resources and the failure of successive leaders to provide effective governance.

He urged Nigerians in the diaspora to use their influence to encourage political change by persuading relatives and friends at home to vote for leaders with records of financial discipline and accountability.

Obi also defended his record as governor of Anambra State, claiming that his administration saved more public funds than those of other state governors.

Acknowledging that he was not perfect, he challenged other governors to demonstrate that they had saved even 10 per cent of the amount he claimed to have saved during his tenure.

“I’m not saying I’m a saint, but I saved money. I’ve not seen one governor who has saved 10 per cent of what I saved. No governor has done it,” he said.

Obi argued that meaningful national development would require citizens to reject corruption and demand greater accountability from political officeholders.

He said public funds diverted for personal enrichment and the acquisition of properties abroad could otherwise be used to provide essential services, including schools and hospitals.

According to him, citizens must become dissatisfied with the misuse of public resources and make electoral choices that favour leaders committed to responsible management of the economy.

The NDC candidate urged Nigerians to recognise the role of political participation in addressing the country's challenges, describing the 2027 general election as an important opportunity to pursue a change in leadership.

He maintained that lasting progress would depend on citizens supporting leaders capable of managing public funds prudently and directing resources towards national development.