Eniola Yekini
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has urged Nigerians in the United Kingdom to resist sending money to relatives seeking financial support back home.
He instead urged them to encourage their relatives in Nigeria to vote for credible and productive leaders in the 2027 general elections.
Obi spoke during a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Sunday, saying Nigeria’s economic hardship is a result of bad leadership and that continuous financial assistance only cushions the effects of poor governance without addressing root causes.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said.
The former Anambra State governor insisted that his record in public office distinguished him from other governors, claiming none 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.
“Let’s start with this one that is less corrupt. That’s how other countries change.”
He said his interactions with the people reinforced the need for collective responsibility, stressing that building a new Nigeria would require citizens to take an active role in addressing the country’s challenges.
Obi also urged Nigerians to take the 2027 election seriously, describing the contest as a critical moment for the nation.