Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused political opponents of twisting his message on Nigerians living abroad, insisting that he never asked members of the diaspora to abandon their families in Nigeria.
Obi said his earlier message had been distorted by political opponents, despite a clarification already issued by his media office.
In a statement on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor expressed appreciation to Nigerians in the diaspora for their sacrifices and continued financial support for their families back home.
He noted that remittances from Nigerians abroad help millions of households meet essential needs, including school fees, hospital bills, rent and feeding expenses.
According to him, the contributions and patriotism of Nigerians living outside the country deserve recognition and respect.
“I never asked them to abandon their loved ones,” Obi said, explaining that his concern was about Nigeria’s continued dependence on relatives abroad to meet basic needs.
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The former presidential candidate stressed that the country should instead create an environment where citizens can provide for themselves and their families without depending on financial assistance from abroad.
Obi said Nigeria’s priority should be to build an economy that provides employment opportunities, affordable healthcare, quality education and better economic prospects for its citizens.
He maintained that his message was not an attack on Nigerians in the diaspora but a call for a country capable of taking care of its people.
“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,” he stated.
Obi concluded by wishing Nigerians at home and abroad well, saying, “God bless Nigerians at home and abroad. God bless Nigeria.”