Peter Obi To Critics: I Never Asked Nigerians Abroad to Abandon Their Families

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has dismissed claims that he urged Nigerians living abroad to stop supporting their families back home, insisting that his comments were deliberately twisted by political opponents.

Obi, in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, said he decided to personally address the controversy despite an earlier clarification by his media office because the issue had continued to attract misleading interpretations.

The former Anambra State governor said he holds Nigerians in the diaspora in high regard, describing them as patriotic citizens whose sacrifices and financial support have helped millions of families survive difficult economic conditions.

According to him, remittances from Nigerians abroad pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent and feeding expenses, making their contributions vital to many households across the country.

Obi stressed that he never told Nigerians in the diaspora to abandon their loved ones.

He explained that his real message was that Nigeria should become a country where citizens can earn decent livelihoods without depending on relatives overseas for basic survival.

“Our goal must be to build a nation that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities for its citizens,” Obi said.

He maintained that his vision is to create a Nigeria where families are supported by a strong economy rather than forced to rely on money sent from abroad.

Obi accused his political opponents of deliberately misrepresenting his remarks for political gain.

“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,” he said.

He ended the statement by praying for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, expressing hope for a better future for the country.