Peter Obi Advises UK Nigerians: Stop Cash Handouts, Vote for Good Leaders

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom to cease providing financial assistance to relatives back home. Instead, he advised them to actively encourage their families to elect competent leaders.

During a town hall meeting with Nigerian diaspora supporters held in the UK on Sunday, October 18, Obi highlighted the severe economic challenges facing Nigeria. He contended that continuous financial aid from abroad merely alleviates the symptoms of poor governance without addressing its fundamental causes. Obi was quoted saying, "You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!"

The former Governor of Anambra State distinguished his tenure in public office, asserting that his record of saving public funds surpassed that of any other governor. He stated, "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. Let's start with this one that is less corrupt. That's how other countries change."

Obi further emphasized that remittances from the diaspora cannot serve as a replacement for effective leadership and the fight against systemic corruption. He implored Nigerian citizens living abroad to leverage their influence to persuade voters at home to support candidates who demonstrate proven capacity, strong character, and fiscal responsibility, aiming to transform the nation's economy from one driven by consumption to one focused on production.