Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, advised Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to stop sending money to people who request financial help from home.
He made the remarks during a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester on Sunday.
Obi linked Nigeria’s economic hardship to bad leadership. He argued that continuous financial support from abroad only eases the effects of poor governance without solving the underlying problems.
He told the audience: “You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!”
In addition, Obi urged UK-based Nigerians to encourage their relatives to vote for productive leaders who can deliver good governance and improve the economy.
The former Anambra State governor pointed to his own record in public office. He claimed no other governor matched his achievements in saving public funds.
“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.
Furthermore, he added: “Let’s start with this one that is less corrupt. That’s how other countries change.”
Obi maintained that meaningful progress required citizens to demand accountability rather than rely on temporary financial relief from the diaspora. He also called on Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general election.
