The NDC presidential candidate says he never asked Nigerians in the diaspora to abandon their families, insisting his message is about building a country where citizens can meet their basic needs.
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused political opponents of distorting his recent remarks about Nigerians living abroad and their financial support for families back home.
Obi, in a personal statement titled *“My Message Has Been Twisted,”* said that despite an earlier clarification issued by his media office, he considered it necessary to address what he described as the misrepresentation of his message.
He expressed deep appreciation for Nigerians in the diaspora, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to the welfare of their families and the Nigerian economy.
According to him, remittances from Nigerians abroad help millions of families pay school fees, hospital bills, rent and feeding expenses, describing their patriotism and sacrifices as deserving of profound respect.
The former Anambra State governor, however, stressed that his concern was not for Nigerians abroad to abandon their loved ones but for Nigeria to become a country where citizens would no longer depend on relatives overseas for basic survival.
“Our goal must be to build a nation that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities for its citizens,” Obi stated.
He maintained that political opponents had taken his remarks out of context, insisting that his position was aimed at addressing the underlying economic challenges forcing many Nigerian families to depend on relatives living 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 his statement with a prayer for Nigerians at home and abroad, reaffirming his commitment to a country that provides better opportunities and improved living conditions for its citizens.
The clarification comes amid public debate over his remarks to Nigerians in Europe, with the former governor seeking to distinguish his call for economic self-reliance from any suggestion that Nigerians in the diaspora should withdraw financial supportt from their families.
