LAGOS, NIGERIA — Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has accused his political opponents of distorting his message on Nigerians living abroad. He said he never asked them to abandon their families in Nigeria.
Obi made the clarification on Tuesday morning in a post on his official X handle. He said his call was aimed at addressing the country’s economic challenges.
The Controversy
The controversy began after Obi spoke at a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Sunday. He urged Nigerians abroad to reject requests for financial assistance from relatives at home. He said they should instead encourage them to support productive leadership through their votes.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” Obi had said.
The remarks generated backlash from the Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and Social Democratic Party. They argued that discouraging diaspora remittances could worsen the economic difficulties faced by families.
Obi’s Clarification
Obi said his media office had issued a clarification. But he said he still needed to add his voice to address the distortion by political opponents.
“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,” Obi said.
He maintained that his remarks were not intended to discourage Nigerians abroad from supporting their loved ones. He said he was drawing attention to a situation where many citizens depend on financial assistance from relatives outside the country to survive.
“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,” he stated.
Vision for Nigeria
Obi said Nigeria should become a country where citizens have access to employment, affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities. He said citizens should not have to rely on family members living overseas.
“Our goal must be to build a nation that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities for its citizens,” he added.
He accused his political opponents of twisting his message. But he insisted that his central argument remained the need for better governance and an economy capable of providing for Nigerians at home.
“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,” Obi said.
Opposition Parties React
The Labour Party, NNPP, and SDP had criticised Obi’s original remarks. They argued that diaspora remittances remain an important source of financial support for Nigerian households.
The Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, said many Nigerians abroad send money home for medical expenses. He warned that asking them to stop could hurt vulnerable people.
“However, it is akin to cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face. Asking Nigerians in the diaspora to shun such support is, therefore, an overkill,” Asogwa said.
NNPP National Chairman, Major Agbo, described Obi’s position as unpatriotic. He questioned why a presidential candidate would make a statement that could undermine the country’s economic interests.
The Social Democratic Party also faulted the appeal. Its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, said stopping diaspora remittances would not translate into electoral gains. “The call is unpatriotic and illogical,” he said.
What This Means
The exchange highlights the sensitivity of diaspora remittances in Nigeria’s economy. Millions of families depend on funds from relatives abroad. Any suggestion to reduce these flows is likely to generate strong reactions.
For Obi, the controversy is a distraction. He will be hoping to refocus attention on his campaign message of good governance and economic transformation.
What Happens Next
Obi will continue his engagement with Nigerians at home and abroad. He will also continue to clarify his position on diaspora remittances.
For now, the debate continues. It underscores the challenges facing Nigeria’s economy and the role of the diaspora in supporting families.
