Peter Obi Defends Call for Diaspora to Limit Remittances
Peter Obi urged Nigerians in the UK to stop sending money home to pressure for political change, later clarifying he seeks to end systemic economic dependence.
Presidential candidate Peter Obi sparked controversy during a town hall meeting in Manchester, United Kingdom, by urging Nigerians living abroad to stop sending financial assistance to relatives in Nigeria. Obi argued that these remittances cushion the effects of economic hardship without addressing the root causes of poor leadership and systemic corruption. He told attendees that those with relatives begging for money should tell them "no," suggesting the diaspora instead pressure families to support candidates with proven financial discipline for the 2027 general elections.
Obi presented himself as a less corrupt alternative, citing his tenure as governor of Anambra State to claim he saved more public funds than any other governor. He linked the lack of domestic schools and hospitals to the diversion of public resources by politicians into private overseas properties.
Following social media backlash and accusations that he was encouraging the abandonment of families, Obi issued clarifications via X. He denied that he urged Nigerians to stop providing support entirely, stating his comments were distorted by political opponents. He expressed appreciation for the sacrifices of the diaspora but maintained that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival. He stated his goal is to build a nation that provides jobs, healthcare, and education so citizens can provide for themselves.
