THE Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, says at no time did he ask Nigerians living abroad to abandon their parents, siblings, and other loved ones in Nigeria.
A statement by Idris Zekeri, jnr. Spokesman, Peter Obi Media Office, described as misleading, the interpretation being attached to Obi’s remarks to Nigerians in Europe. According to the statement, those sharing the video removed the broader context of his statement and edited it to support their agenda.
The statement reads: “Peter Obi’s remarks were never intended to encourage Nigerians abroad to abandon their parents, siblings, or other loved ones in Nigeria. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“He recognises the daily sacrifices made by Nigerians in the diaspora to pay school fees, cover medical expenses, provide food for their families, and assist relatives facing difficult circumstances. The central point of his message is that Nigeria must function effectively once again.
“A nation with such abundant human and natural resources should not force millions of its citizens to rely on relatives overseas for necessities. Nigerians should have access to decent employment, affordable healthcare, quality education for their children, and a dignified standard of living without having to make constant appeals to family members abroad.
“Peter Obi’s vision is to create a Nigeria that works for all—a country in which remittances from the diaspora support national development instead of being essential to families’ survival.
“He is not asking Nigerians abroad to stop supporting their families. Rather, he is advocating for a Nigeria in which their families will no longer need to depend on them in order to survive. This is the distinction between alleviating poverty’s symptoms and confronting its underlying causes. A New Nigeria is Possible and will be OK.
