Peter Obi Denies Asking Diaspora to Cut Family Support

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has refuted suggestions that he directed diaspora citizens to cease remitting funds to family members in Nigeria. His clarification emerged following remarks made at a UK town hall that drew criticism and reinterpretation by political adversaries.

At the gathering in the United Kingdom, Obi conveyed to overseas supporters that when loved ones request financial help, they should instead encourage those individuals to back leaders demonstrating proven economic performance. According to reports, his actual words urged Nigerians to tell relatives asking for funds that voting for productive leaders should come first.

Both his media team and personal X posts have since stressed that this was not intended as advice to sever family bonds. Obi's position underscores his gratitude for the contributions made by diaspora members to Nigerian families.

He recognised that money sent from abroad covers medical expenses, housing, food and educational costs affecting millions of people. He characterised his initial statement as opposition to Nigeria's economic framework rather than an exhortation to end familial support.

The former governor of Anambra State maintained that his rivals deliberately misconstrued his language to undermine his standing among the diaspora electorate. The foundation of Obi's argument revolves around minimising Nigeria's reliance on external remittances by enhancing administration and employment opportunities.

His communication team asserted that the NDC standard-bearer did not suggest that citizens stop assisting siblings, parents and other family relations. Coverage across several news platforms repeated the same clarification, suggesting a unified strategy in responding to the uproar.