‘I Never Asked Them to Abandon Loved Ones’ — Obi Clarifies Diaspora Remarks

ABUJA — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has denied asking Nigerians living abroad to abandon their relatives at home, insisting that his comments about financial assistance were misrepresented by political opponents.

Obi issued the clarification on Tuesday in a statement titled “My Message Has Been Twisted”, posted on his X account following widespread reactions to his remarks at a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The former Anambra State governor said he appreciated Nigerians in the diaspora who worked hard and made sacrifices to support their families in Nigeria, stressing that their contributions remained essential to millions of households.

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

He noted that money sent home by Nigerians abroad helped relatives pay school fees, hospital bills, rent and feeding expenses, adding that their sacrifices deserved recognition and respect.

“Their patriotism and sacrifices deserve our profound respect. I never asked them to abandon their loved ones,” he stated.

Obi explained that his concern was the economic situation forcing millions of Nigerians to depend on relatives abroad to meet their basic needs, rather than having access to decent jobs and essential services at home.

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

According to the NDC candidate, Nigeria needs a system that provides employment opportunities, affordable healthcare, quality education and the conditions necessary for citizens to support themselves and their families.

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

Obi accused unnamed political opponents of distorting his message, maintaining that his argument was directed at the underlying causes of poverty and economic hardship rather than the willingness of Nigerians abroad to help their relatives.

“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 controversy over comments Obi made during a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester on Sunday.

In a video of the engagement that circulated widely on social media, Obi urged Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reject requests for money from people at home and encourage them to support leaders capable of improving the country’s economic conditions.

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

Obi argued that financial assistance from relatives abroad could provide immediate relief but would not resolve the wider economic problems forcing many Nigerians to seek help.

He linked the situation to concerns about governance, corruption and economic hardship, urging Nigerians in the diaspora to use their influence to encourage greater political accountability at home.

The remarks generated mixed reactions, with some interpreting them as a call to stop sending money to struggling relatives, while others viewed them as an appeal to address the structural causes of poverty.

Obi’s latest statement seeks to clarify that distinction, emphasising that he values diaspora remittances but wants Nigeria to become a country where families can meet their basic needs without depending on financial assistance from abroad.

The controversy comes as political parties and prospective candidates intensify engagement with Nigerians at home and in the diaspora ahead of the 2027 general election.