MANCHESTER, United Kingdom, October 20, 2026 — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians living abroad to encourage their relatives at home to support leaders with proven records of public service and commitment to fighting corruption.
Obi made the appeal during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in the diaspora in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he argued that financial assistance from abroad could provide temporary relief without addressing the underlying problems responsible for economic hardship in Nigeria.
The former Anambra State governor said many Nigerians living abroad regularly send money to relatives struggling to meet basic needs, including feeding, school fees, rent and medical expenses.
He argued that the country needed leadership capable of creating an environment where citizens could earn a living and meet their needs without depending heavily on family members overseas.
According to him, Nigerians should encourage their relatives to demand accountability from political leaders and support candidates whose records demonstrate responsible management of public resources.
Obi Defends His Record in Anambra
During the meeting, Obi referred to his tenure as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, claiming that he prioritised savings and prudent management of public funds.
He challenged other former governors to demonstrate that they had saved a comparable proportion of public revenue during their time in office.
Obi acknowledged that he was not perfect but maintained that voters should assess political candidates based on their records, transparency and approach to managing public resources.
He also criticised the use of money to influence political discussions, arguing that resources allegedly diverted for personal or political purposes could otherwise support essential public services.
The NDC candidate said corruption remained a major obstacle to the provision of quality education, healthcare and other basic amenities.
He urged Nigerians to reject political inducements and focus on candidates’ policies, experience and commitment to improving living conditions.
Obi Raises Concerns Over Social Media Attacks
The former governor also alleged that some individuals were being paid to attack and discredit him on social media because of his criticism of corruption and poor governance.
He did not identify the individuals or politicians he accused of organising the alleged attacks.
Responding to a question about how he intended to address the situation, Obi told participants that citizens themselves had an important role to play in challenging misleading political arguments.
He encouraged Nigerians to demand clear explanations of candidates’ policies rather than participate in online exchanges driven by insults or financial inducements.
He maintained that citizens should judge political leaders by their ideas, conduct and records in public office.
Remarks Generate Reactions
Obi’s comments about Nigerians abroad sending money to relatives at home attracted widespread reactions after video clips of the meeting circulated on social media.
Some commentators interpreted his remarks as a call for Nigerians in the diaspora to stop providing financial assistance to their families, while others viewed them as an argument for addressing the economic conditions that make such assistance necessary.
Critics argued that remittances play an important role in supporting households facing financial difficulties, particularly those struggling to pay school fees, medical bills and other essential expenses.
Obi’s media office subsequently clarified that the presidential candidate was not asking Nigerians abroad to abandon their loved ones.
In a statement, his media team said his message had been taken out of context and emphasised that he recognised the sacrifices made by Nigerians living overseas to support their families.
The clarification stressed that the objective was to build a country where citizens could access employment, affordable healthcare, quality education and economic opportunities without depending on relatives abroad for basic survival.
Obi also expressed appreciation to Nigerians in the diaspora for their contributions to their families and the country.
Call for Better Governance Ahead of 2027
The meeting comes as political parties and presidential aspirants prepare for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Obi urged Nigerians to take an active interest in the electoral process and encourage their relatives to evaluate candidates based on their commitment to tackling corruption, strengthening public institutions and improving the economy.
He argued that lasting national development would require citizens to demand accountability and reject practices that undermine public confidence in government.
The former governor maintained that Nigeria’s resources could support better public services if managed responsibly and transparently.
However, the debate surrounding his remarks has highlighted the difficult balance between addressing the immediate needs of struggling households and pursuing long-term reforms aimed at improving the economy.
As the 2027 elections approach, governance, corruption, economic hardship and the role of Nigerians in the diaspora are expected to remain important subjects in the national political debate.
