Key points
- Obi told diaspora supporters to say no to money requests from home.
- He urged them to push relatives to vote for productive leaders in 2027.
- He claimed no governor has saved even 10% of what he saved.
Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has advised Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to stop sending money to people who seek financial help at home, and to urge those relatives to vote for productive leaders.
Obi spoke on Sunday at a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester. He argued that Nigeria’s economic hardship results from bad leadership, and that continued financial assistance only cushions the effects of poor governance without addressing its causes.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said.
A record on savings
The former Anambra State governor said his time in office set him apart. “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.
That claim is Obi’s own and was not independently verified in the report. “Let’s start with this one that is less corrupt. That’s how other countries change,” he added.
A call to take 2027 seriously
Obi said his conversations with supporters reinforced the need for collective responsibility, and that building a new Nigeria requires citizens to take an active role.
He urged Nigerians to take the 2027 election seriously, calling it a critical moment for the nation.
