Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has clarified his recent remarks urging Nigerians in the United Kingdom to adjust their financial support for relatives back home. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Manchester on Sunday, Obi suggested that the country’s endemic corruption drives the need for remittances, and that electing capable leaders could alleviate the pressure on citizens abroad. A video of the event circulated widely on social media, prompting various interpretations of his message.
In a post on his X account on Tuesday, Obi responded to what he described as a distortion of his message by political opponents. According to Punch, he insisted that he never asked Nigerians abroad to abandon their families, but rather wanted to highlight the economic conditions that force millions to depend on overseas relatives for basic survival. He noted that his media office had previously issued a clarification, but he felt the need to add his own voice to address the ongoing debate.
Obi expressed appreciation for the sacrifices made by the diaspora, noting that their contributions cover essential expenses such as school fees and hospital bills. Premium Times reported that he stated, "Their remittances pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent, and feeding expenses." He argued that the goal should be to build a nation that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, and quality education, thereby reducing the reliance on financial assistance from abroad.
During the Manchester gathering, Obi also discussed the role of social media in Nigerian politics. AllAfrica reported that he claimed unnamed politicians had paid thousands of people to attack him online, describing himself as a "less corrupt" politician compared to his peers. He emphasized that Nigerians should assess candidates based on their determination to fight corruption, rather than celebrating leaders who may be mismanaging public funds.
The former Anambra State governor, who ran for president in 2023, concluded his clarification by reiterating that his advocacy was for a Nigeria that no longer abandons its own people. He aimed to shift the focus from individual remittances to systemic governance improvements, a stance that has generated significant reaction among his supporters and critics alike.