Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reconsider sending money to relatives and other people in Nigeria who seek financial assistance.
While speaking during a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester, United Kingdom, Obi argued that such support does little to address the underlying causes of the country’s economic hardship.
He also called on Nigerians in the diaspora to encourage their relatives at home to vote for leaders capable of improving the economy and delivering better governance.
Obi attributed Nigeria’s economic problems to poor leadership, arguing that continued financial assistance from Nigerians abroad could ease the immediate burden on struggling families without addressing the structural problems responsible for their hardship.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said.
Obi urged Nigerians in the UK to use their interactions with family members and friends at home to promote political accountability and encourage support for leaders who would prioritise productivity and prudent management of public resources.
He argued that meaningful change would require Nigerians to look beyond individual financial support and address the governance challenges contributing to poverty and economic insecurity.
Speaking on his record in public office, Obi said his administration in Anambra State prioritised savings and the responsible management of public funds.
“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.
He added that Nigerians should begin the process of political change by supporting leaders perceived to be less corrupt, arguing that such a shift could help improve governance.
“Let’s start with this one that is less corrupt. That’s how other countries change,” he said.
Obi said his engagements with Nigerians in the diaspora had reinforced the need for collective responsibility in addressing the country’s challenges.
He maintained that building a better Nigeria would require citizens to play an active role in demanding accountability and making informed political choices.
The NDC presidential candidate also urged Nigerians to take the 2027 general election seriously, describing it as an important opportunity to determine the country’s future direction.
He called on citizens to consider the records and capacity of political leaders when making their choices at the polls.
