The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians living abroad to reconsider sending money to relatives at home, arguing that financial handouts cannot solve the country’s deep-rooted economic problems.
Obi made the appeal during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Monday, urging them to use their influence on family members to demand better leadership and support candidates capable of improving the economy.
The former Anambra State governor attributed the hardship facing Nigerians to poor leadership, saying money sent from abroad might provide temporary relief but would not address the underlying causes of poverty and economic insecurity.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” Obi said, urging diaspora Nigerians to encourage their relatives to make informed political choices.
He argued that citizens should focus on demanding accountability from public office holders rather than relying solely on financial assistance from family members abroad to cope with the economic situation.
Defending his record as Anambra governor, Obi said his administration prioritised savings and prudent management of public funds, insisting that responsible handling of government resources was crucial to national development.
“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.
Obi urged Nigerians to take the 2027 general election seriously, saying the country could begin to address its governance challenges by electing leaders with credible records, lower levels of corruption and a commitment to accountability.
