My Message Was Twisted, Obi Says Amid Diaspora Backlash
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has denied asking Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to abandon relatives who depend on them for financial support, saying his comments on the country’s economic hardship had been distorted by political opponents. In a statement titled “My Message Has Been Twisted,” published on X on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor said he deeply appreciated Nigerians in the diaspora who made sacrifices to support their families back home. He noted that remittances from abroad helped millions of Nigerians pay school fees, hospital bills, rent and feeding expenses, describing the contributions as acts of patriotism deserving respect. Obi insisted that he never asked Nigerians abroad to stop supporting their loved ones, but wanted to draw attention to the economic conditions forcing many households to depend on relatives overseas for basic survival.
Obi said Nigeria’s goal should be to build an economy that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and opportunities for citizens, rather than leaving families dependent on money sent from abroad. He accused political opponents of misrepresenting his position, arguing that his concern was about addressing the causes of hardship, not discouraging family support. The clarification followed criticism over remarks he made during a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester on Sunday. In a video that circulated widely online, Obi urged Nigerians in the UK to tell relatives and others requesting financial assistance to stop asking them for money, arguing that such support could provide temporary relief without resolving the underlying problems. He also blamed poor leadership for Nigeria’s economic difficulties and urged Nigerians abroad to encourage family members and friends at home to vote for leaders committed to productivity and economic opportunities.
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