Peter Obi has defended his call for Nigerians living abroad to reject requests for money from home, insisting that his message was about Nigeria’s economic dependence on diaspora support, not an appeal for families to be left without assistance.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate offered the clarification in a post on his verified X account on Tuesday, following reactions to remarks he made at a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Obi said his comments had been distorted by political opponents, adding that he considered it necessary to personally address the controversy despite an earlier clarification from his media office.
“I never asked them to abandon their loved ones,” he said, explaining that his concern was the situation in which millions of Nigerians depend on relatives abroad to meet basic needs.
The former Anambra State governor acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that money sent home helps families pay school fees, hospital bills, rent and feeding expenses.
He said such contributions deserved respect, but argued that a country should not rely on relatives living overseas to provide the basic necessities its citizens ought to be able to afford.
According to Obi, Nigeria needs an environment where citizens can access jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and economic opportunities without depending on financial assistance from abroad.
The controversy followed his appeal in Manchester for Nigerians overseas to turn down requests for money from people at home and encourage them to support productive leadership.
The comments drew criticism from some opposition figures, who argued that withholding financial assistance could worsen the hardship of vulnerable families. Supporters, however, maintained that Obi was challenging the conditions that make millions dependent on relatives abroad.
Reaffirming his position, Obi said his message was not about withdrawing family support but about demanding a country that takes responsibility for the welfare of its citizens.
“I am advocating for a Nigeria that will no longer abandon its own people,” he stated
