‘Nigeria Must Not Rely on Diaspora for Survival’ – Peter Obi Sets Record Straight

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate in the January 2027 elections, has hit back at political opponents, accusing them of deliberately twisting his recent comments regarding Nigerians in the diaspora and home remittances.

In a personal statement released to clarify the controversy, Obi emphasized that his remarks were never intended to discourage Nigerians abroad from supporting their families but were rather a critique of Nigeria’s systemic economic failures.

Clarifying the Diaspora Message

He categorically denied urging citizens abroad to cut off financial lifelines to their relatives, explaining that his core message focused on structural national development rather than individual charity.

“I never asked them to abandon their loved ones,” he clarified. “My concern is that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival.”

Obi expressed deep gratitude to the diaspora community, praising their patriotism and the immense sacrifices they make to keep millions of households afloat back home.

“I deeply appreciate Nigerians in the diaspora who work tirelessly and make enormous sacrifices to support their families back home,” Obi stated. “Their remittances pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent, and feeding expenses. Their patriotism and sacrifices deserve our profound respect.”

Moving the focus toward long-term governance goals, the former Anambra State governor reiterated that the ultimate objective of leadership must be to build a self-sustaining economy. He noted that the heavy reliance on diaspora remittances for basic survival highlights a deeper failure of the state to provide essential public goods.

According to Obi, the strategic blueprint for the country must focus on establishing local economic stability so that citizens do not have to look outside the borders for daily sustenance.

He noted that the national goal must be to build a country that actively provides gainful employment and economic opportunities for its youth, affordable and accessible healthcare systems, and quality education for all citizens.

Dismissing the narrative put forward by rival political factions, Obi maintained that his vision for a prosperous, self-reliant nation remains unshaken by political misinterpretation.

“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 concluded, sealing his statement with a blessing for Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.