Peter Obi Urges Nigerians in the UK to Elect Better Leaders Instead of Sending Money Home

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2027, has told Nigerians in the United Kingdom to stop sending money to those asking for financial help back home. Instead, he wants them to encourage the election of capable leaders who can end corruption in Nigeria.

Mr Obi, who used to be the governor of Anambra State, made these comments on Sunday during a town hall meeting with his supporters in the UK. A video clip of his speech has been making the rounds on social media.

He explained that ongoing corruption in Nigeria is forcing their family members to ask for financial support. Mr Obi believes that if honest leaders are not elected, the need to send money home will continue.

"You have people at home who are begging you for money. Tell them no. Tell them let’s put somebody (in leadership position) who has proven (capacity)," he said.

Mr Obi went on to say he is not a perfect leader but saved money during his time as governor from 2006 to 2014. "I wasn’t the only person who has been a governor and I challenged people and said, ‘if there is one governor who has saved 10 per cent of what I saved, let him come out’ and nobody has.

"(So you can tell Nigerians), let’s start (supporting) this one (Mr Obi) who is maybe less corrupt. We’re not saying he’s not corrupt, but less," he said, referring to himself as the "less corrupt politician."

Mr Obi, who ran for president as the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 election won by President Bola Tinubu, claimed some politicians have hired people to attack him online. He said these people aim to discredit him because of his stance against corruption.

He noted that many of those hired to insult him do so in the comment sections of his social media posts. "People are being paid today. You even heard somebody who said they paid 4000 people. All they pay them is through many posts they made on Peter Obi," he said, without naming anyone.

One attendee asked about his plan to tackle this issue. "You’re my strategy," Mr Obi replied, adding, "By the time you, who is exposed, say ‘I don’t want to hear this nonsense. What I want to hear is what ideas you have.’"

The NDC candidate emphasized that Nigerians should judge candidates based on their willingness to fight corruption. "I am talking to you now, saying ‘let’s fight corruption.’ Somebody can come here without saying that," he said.

He urged Nigerians to start rejecting corrupt politicians who pay them to attack others online. "It is because of the money they’re sharing that there are no hospitals in Nigeria. It is because that money they’re stealing to buy properties abroad is why there are no schools in Nigeria," he stated.

Mr Obi highlighted that unlike other countries, Nigerians often celebrate corrupt leaders instead of condemning them. "I need you people and that is why I’m having lunch with you today. This lunch is for you to say, ‘Hey. Wait a minute. This man came and what he said is the reality of our problem. Let’s deal with it,’" he said.

His remarks about sending money to people in Nigeria have sparked various reactions. In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, he claimed his message was misrepresented by political opponents.

Mr Obi stated he wanted to clear up "the distortion of my message" even though his media team had already issued a "responsible clarification on the situation."

"I never asked them (UK-based Nigerians) to abandon their loved ones. My concern is that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival.

"Our goal must be to build a nation that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities for its citizens," he clarified.

He expressed gratitude to Nigerians abroad who work hard and make sacrifices to support their families back home. "Their remittances pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent, and feeding expenses. Their patriotism and sacrifices deserve our profound respect," he stated.

He added, "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."