Peter Obi Defends UK Remarks, Says He Never Asked Nigerians in Diaspora to Abandon Families

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has defended his recent remarks to Nigerians living in the United Kingdom, saying his message has been distorted by political opponents.

Obi, in a statement titled “My Message Has Been Twisted,” said he was not asking Nigerians in the diaspora to abandon family members who depend on them financially, but was advocating for a country where citizens would no longer struggle to meet their basic needs.

The former Anambra State governor said he deeply appreciated Nigerians abroad who make sacrifices to support their relatives at home, noting that their remittances help pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent and feeding expenses.

He added that the contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora deserved respect, stressing that his concern was the country’s continued dependence on financial support from relatives living abroad.

According to Obi, Nigeria should strive to become a country that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and economic opportunities, rather than one where millions of citizens depend on family members abroad for survival.

He accused political opponents of distorting his message, insisting that his position was not an attempt to encourage Nigerians overseas to withdraw support from their loved ones.

“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,” he said.

Obi’s clarification followed the controversy surrounding his remarks during his recent visit to the United Kingdom, where he spoke about Nigerians abroad supporting relatives at home amid the country’s economic difficulties.

His statement sought to draw a distinction between discouraging family support and calling for a country where citizens can earn enough to provide for themselves and their families without depending on relatives overseas.

He concluded by wishing Nigerians at home and abroad well, adding, “God bless Nigerians at home and abroad. God bless Nigeria.”