‘Tell Them No!’ — Obi Tells Nigerians Abroad To Stop Sending Money To Relatives
….NDC Presidential Candidate Says Financial Handouts Cannot Solve Poverty
…Blames Poor Leadership For Nigeria’s Economic Hardship
Daud Olatunji
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians living abroad to reconsider sending money to relatives and other people in Nigeria who frequently seek financial assistance, arguing that such interventions do little to address the root causes of poverty and economic hardship.
Obi made the call during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in the diaspora in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he urged them to use their influence on family members and friends at home to promote political accountability and support leaders capable of improving the country’s economic fortunes.
The former Anambra State governor attributed Nigeria’s economic challenges to poor leadership, arguing that financial assistance from Nigerians abroad might provide temporary relief for struggling families but would not resolve the structural problems responsible for their hardship.
Addressing the gathering, Obi urged Nigerians in the UK to encourage their relatives at home to take responsibility for the country’s political future rather than continually depending on financial support from abroad.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said.
He argued that Nigerians in the diaspora could contribute more meaningfully to national development by encouraging their families to demand good governance, transparency and prudent management of public resources.
According to him, addressing the country’s economic difficulties requires a fundamental change in leadership and governance rather than continued dependence on personal financial assistance.
Obi maintained that Nigerians must look beyond immediate financial relief and consider the broader economic and political circumstances that have left many citizens struggling to meet their basic needs.
The NDC presidential candidate also called on Nigerians to begin the process of political change by supporting leaders they consider less corrupt, arguing that improved governance could help rebuild public confidence and strengthen the country’s economy.
He said, “Let’s start with this one that is less corrupt. That’s how other countries change.”
Obi’s remarks underscored his argument that tackling corruption and ensuring responsible management of public funds should be central to efforts to improve living conditions in Nigeria.
He further cited his record as governor of Anambra State, claiming that his administration prioritised savings and prudent management of public resources.
“I’m not saying I’m a saint, but I saved money. I’ve not seen one governor who has saved 10 per cent of what I saved. No governor has done it,” he said.
The former governor presented his record on savings as an example of the kind of financial discipline he believes should guide the management of public resources.
He urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to the records, competence and integrity of political office seekers when deciding whom to support.
Obi also urged Nigerians at home and abroad to take the 2027 general elections seriously, describing the polls as a critical opportunity to determine the country’s future direction.
He called on Nigerians in the diaspora to engage their relatives and friends in discussions about governance and encourage them to make informed decisions at the ballot box.
According to him, citizens have an important role to play in demanding accountability from political leaders and supporting candidates who demonstrate a commitment to fighting corruption and managing public resources responsibly.
He maintained that building a better Nigeria would require collective responsibility, active citizenship and a willingness to challenge the governance failures contributing to poverty and economic insecurity.
The NDC presidential candidate added that his interactions with Nigerians abroad had reinforced the need for citizens to participate actively in efforts to address the country’s challenges.
Obi’s appeal comes amid persistent economic difficulties that have increased the financial pressure on many Nigerian households, with relatives abroad often providing assistance to family members struggling with rising living costs.
However, his call for Nigerians abroad to reconsider such financial support places renewed emphasis on the relationship between household-level assistance, economic hardship and the broader question of political accountability.
As the 2027 elections approach, Obi urged Nigerians to look beyond immediate personal considerations and assess the capacity of political leaders to deliver better governance and sustainable economic development.
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