The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reconsider sending money to relatives at home who seek financial assistance, arguing that such support does little to address the underlying causes of the country’s economic hardship.
Obi also encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to persuade their family members to vote for leaders capable of delivering productive governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Anambra State governor made the appeal on Sunday during a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester, United Kingdom.
He attributed Nigeria’s economic difficulties to poor leadership, arguing that financial assistance from relatives abroad could ease immediate suffering without addressing the governance failures responsible for the situation.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” Obi told the gathering.
He maintained that Nigerians must take collective responsibility for changing the country’s political leadership rather than relying solely on financial support from family members abroad.
Defending his record as Anambra governor, Obi said his approach to managing public funds distinguished him from other state governors, particularly in the area of savings.
“I’m not saying I’m a saint, but I saved money. I’ve not seen one governor who has saved 10 per cent of what I saved. No governor has done it,” he said.
The NDC candidate urged Nigerians to begin the process of political change by supporting leaders they consider less corrupt, arguing that responsible leadership was essential to national development.
“Let’s start with this one that is less corrupt. That’s how other countries change,” he added.
Obi said his engagements with Nigerians had reinforced his belief that building a better country required citizens to participate actively in confronting the challenges facing the nation.
He further urged Nigerians to treat the 2027 general elections with seriousness, describing the polls as a critical opportunity to determine the country’s future direction.
