Peter Obi Fires Back Over ‘Don’t Send Money Home’ Comment, Says Message Was Twisted
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has defended his controversial remarks about Nigerians in the diaspora sending money home, insisting that political opponents misrepresented his message.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), addressed the controversy in a statement posted on his verified X account on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
He said his comments were distorted, stressing that he appreciates Nigerians living abroad who make financial sacrifices to support their families and relatives at home.
The former governor acknowledged that diaspora remittances help many households pay school fees, settle hospital bills, cover rent and purchase food.
He said these contributions demonstrate the commitment of Nigerians abroad to their loved ones and deserve recognition and respect.
Obi maintained that he had never asked Nigerians living outside the country to abandon their families or stop providing financial assistance to them.
Instead, he explained that his concern was the country’s dependence on money sent by relatives abroad to meet basic needs.
According to him, Nigeria must work towards a future where citizens can afford essential expenses without depending on family members living overseas.
In his statement, Obi said he considered it necessary to address what he described as the distortion of his message by political opponents, despite an earlier clarification from his media office.
He reiterated his appreciation for Nigerians abroad who work hard and make significant sacrifices to improve the lives of their families back home.
Obi argued that the central issue was not whether Nigerians in the diaspora should support their relatives, but whether the country was doing enough to provide economic opportunities and basic necessities for its citizens.
He said his position remained focused on building a country capable of taking care of its people rather than leaving families dependent on relatives overseas.
“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,” Obi wrote.
The clarification comes amid public debate over his earlier remarks, which generated controversy over the role of diaspora remittances in supporting Nigerian households.
Money sent home by Nigerians living abroad provides financial support to families facing the rising costs of education, healthcare, housing and daily living expenses.
Obi’s latest statement seeks to distinguish his position from any suggestion that Nigerians abroad should withdraw that support, while renewing his call for a country where citizens can meet their basic needs without relying on relatives overseas.
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