I never asked Nigerians abroad to abandon families — Obi

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has defended his remarks urging Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reject requests for money from people back home..

He accused his political opponents of twisting his message to Nigerians living abroad, insisting that he never asked them to abandon their families back home.

Obi said his concern was that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions of citizens depended on relatives abroad to meet their basic needs.

In a post on his X account on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor said his message had been distorted despite a clarification issued by his media office.

“Even though my media office has issued a responsible clarification on the situation, I still find it necessary to add my voice to address the distortion of my message by political opponents,” he wrote.

Obi said he appreciated Nigerians in the diaspora who worked hard and made sacrifices to support their families, noting that their contributions helped millions of people meet essential expenses.

“I deeply appreciate Nigerians in the diaspora who work tirelessly and make enormous sacrifices to support their families back home. Their remittances pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent, and feeding expenses. Their patriotism and sacrifices deserve our profound respect,” he said.

He added that his remarks were not intended to discourage family support but to draw attention to the economic conditions forcing many Nigerians to depend on relatives overseas.

“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,” Obi stated.

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The former governor said Nigeria needed to create an environment where citizens could provide for themselves and their families without relying on financial assistance from abroad.

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

Reiterating his position, Obi accused unnamed political opponents of misrepresenting his message, saying his intention was to advocate better governance and improved living conditions for Nigerians.

“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 wrote.

He concluded his post with a message to Nigerians at home and abroad, saying, “God bless Nigerians at home and abroad. God bless Nigeria.”

Obi’s clarification followed his remarks at a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he urged Nigerians abroad to reject requests for money from people back home.

According to a report by PUNCH Online, Obi told the gathering that Nigerians living abroad should stop automatically responding to financial demands from home, arguing that the country needed leadership that would enable citizens to meet their basic needs.

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

His comments generated reactions, with some interpreting them as a call for Nigerians abroad to withdraw financial support from their relatives.