Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reconsider giving money to relatives and friends in Nigeria who regularly seek financial assistance, arguing that the country needs leadership capable of addressing the economic challenges forcing many citizens to depend on others.
Obi made the appeal on Sunday during a town hall meeting with supporters in the UK as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Anambra State governor encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to support his presidential ambition and persuade people at home to back leaders they believe can improve governance and manage public resources responsibly.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no. Let’s put somebody who has proven… I’m not saying I’m a saint, but at least I have said something,” Obi said.
He defended his record in office, claiming that his administration in Anambra State saved substantial public funds. He challenged other former governors to demonstrate that they had saved at least 10 per cent of the amount he said he saved during his tenure.
Obi maintained that Nigeria’s challenges could be addressed if citizens rejected a political culture in which public resources were allegedly diverted for personal enrichment instead of being invested in essential services.
According to him, the diversion of public funds has contributed to the country’s difficulties in providing adequate healthcare, education and other public infrastructure.
He also contrasted what he described as the functioning of public institutions in previous generations with allegations of corruption and the accumulation of properties by some public office holders.
Obi argued that meaningful national development would require citizens to take responsibility for changing the country’s political leadership rather than continually accepting poor governance.
The remarks come as political parties and presidential aspirants intensify efforts to mobilise support among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reactions Trail Obi’s Remarks
Obi’s comments have generated criticism on social media, with some users questioning the implications of his advice for Nigerians who depend on financial assistance from relatives abroad.
An X user, @Mobola_A_Star, accused the former governor of seeking diaspora support while discouraging Nigerians abroad from helping their families at home.
“So, he wants the donation of diaspora people, but the same diaspora people shouldn’t send money home again till he wins,” the user wrote.
Another user, @NduEbitea, criticised the suggestion, questioning why family members should stop supporting their relatives because of a politician’s presidential ambition.
“This is desperation. So, because of your desperate bid to become president, people should not supporting their parents and siblings again?” the user wrote.
Other commenters also criticised Obi’s remarks, describing them as an inappropriate campaign message and arguing that financial assistance from relatives abroad remains essential to many Nigerian households.
Some users, however, have interpreted his comments as a call for Nigerians to address the underlying governance problems that leave many citizens dependent on financial support from family members abroad.
Obi has repeatedly advocated prudent management of public funds, accountability and a shift towards productive governance as key elements of his political agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
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