NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has defended his recent comments about Nigerians living abroad, saying his message was deliberately distorted by political opponents.
He insisted that he never asked Nigerians in the diaspora to stop supporting their families back home but was calling for a country where citizens can live and thrive without depending on relatives overseas.
In a post shared on his X account on Tuesday, Obi said he decided to personally respond despite an earlier clarification issued by his media office, saying the controversy had been fueled by those seeking political advantage.
“Even though my media office has issued a responsible clarification on the situation, I still find it necessary to add my voice to address the distortion of my message by political opponents,” he wrote.
Obi praised Nigerians in the diaspora for their sacrifices, describing them as patriotic citizens whose financial support has continued to sustain many families across the country.
“I deeply appreciate Nigerians in the diaspora who work tirelessly and make enormous sacrifices to support their families back home. Their remittances pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent, and feeding expenses. Their patriotism and sacrifices deserve our profound respect,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that he never suggested that Nigerians abroad should abandon their loved ones.
“I never asked them to abandon their loved ones. My concern is that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival,” Obi stated.
According to him, the country’s priority should be creating an economy that offers jobs and basic social services to its citizens.
“Our goal must be to build a nation that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities for its citizens,” he added.
Reaffirming his position, Obi maintained that his comments were about improving Nigeria’s future and not discouraging family support from abroad.
“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.
Obi concluded the message with prayers for Nigerians both at home and abroad, saying, “God bless Nigerians at home and abroad. God bless Nigeria.”
The clarification comes amid growing political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general election, with leading political figures increasingly using social media to defend their positions and respond to critics. Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest recipients of diaspora remittances, with millions of households relying on support from relatives living overseas for education, healthcare and other daily needs.
