Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, has sparked controversy after urging Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to stop sending money to their relatives back home until the country elects a new president.

Obi made the appeal on Sunday during a town hall meeting with supporters in the UK, where he solicited support for his presidential ambition and urged Nigerians in the diaspora to help bring about political change in the country.

The former Anambra State governor, who is seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027, argued that Nigerians must reject what he described as a political culture of corruption, waste and diversion of public resources.

Addressing his audience, Obi asked supporters to reconsider requests for financial assistance from relatives in Nigeria and instead encourage them to support a candidate they believe can address the country’s economic and governance challenges.

“I need you people and that is why I’m having lunch with you today. This lunch is for you to say, this man came and what he said is the reality of our problem. Let’s work with him,” he said.

He added: “You have people at home who are begging you for money. Tell them no. Let’s put somebody who has proven… I said I’m not a saint, but at least I have said something.”

Obi subsequently defended his record in office, claiming that he had saved public funds while serving as governor and challenging other former governors to demonstrate comparable savings.

“I wasn’t the only person who has been a governor and I challenged people and said, if there is one governor who has saved 10 percent of what I saved, and nobody has,” he said.

He continued: “So, let’s start with this one who is maybe less corrupt. We are not saying it is all, but let’s not pretend it is not happening.”

Obi blames corruption for Nigeria’s failing public services

The former governor maintained that Nigeria’s challenges could be addressed if citizens rejected the diversion of public funds for private enrichment.

According to him, money allegedly diverted by public officials could otherwise have been invested in essential services, including schools and hospitals.

“That is how the countries change. Countries change by people saying, hey, wait a minute, enough of this. And we know what our problem is. It is that money that they are sharing, that money they are using to buy properties, that is why they don’t build school. It is why they don’t build hospital,” Obi said.

He also contrasted the country’s present circumstances with what he described as an earlier period when public institutions were more accessible and public resources were less frequently associated with allegations of personal enrichment.

Recalling an account about public services in previous generations, Obi said people used to access hospitals without the level of concern he believes exists today.

He also criticised reports of former military officers and other public figures allegedly accumulating multiple properties, including houses abroad, while public institutions struggle to deliver essential services.

“You don’t hear people finish being military and they own 50 houses. Now you hear such news. Millions of money are missing,” he said.

Obi urged Nigerians to take responsibility for changing the political system, arguing that meaningful reform would require citizens to stop tolerating corruption and poor governance.

Comments trigger backlash on social media

However, his appeal to Nigerians in the diaspora to withhold financial assistance from relatives at home until political change occurs has attracted criticism on social media.

Some critics questioned the implications of the suggestion for families who depend on remittances to pay for food, education, healthcare, rent and other essential needs.

An X user, @Mobola_A_Star, accused Obi of pursuing a political agenda at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.

“So, he wants the donation of diaspora people, but the same diaspora people shouldn’t send money home again till he wins,” the user wrote.

The user further described the remarks as an attempt to sell fear and hopelessness as a campaign strategy.

Another user, @NduEbitea, criticised the suggestion, writing: “Senseless talk. So, because of your desperate bid to become president, people should not supporting their parents and siblings again? Can you imagine this man?”

Similarly, @B_Mizack called for Obi’s remarks to be scrutinised, while another user, @Deshysmalls, suggested that the former governor might have been drinking before making the comments.

Another critic, @koobakedah, questioned whether Obi intended to provide financial support to Nigerians who might lose assistance from relatives abroad.

“Obi, how much you go dey pay each Nigerian if you become president? This is desperation,” the user wrote.

The critic argued that financial assistance from Nigerians abroad would remain necessary for many households, regardless of who governed the country.

“This is the highest form of hypocrisy, desperation and ‘I-don’t-know-nothing’ I have ever heard from a politician,” the user added.

An X user, @abbeykool, also accused Obi of encouraging division, while @osazenoo criticised the remarks and @olohunjuedani responded in agreement.

Diaspora remittances become a campaign issue

Obi’s comments come as political parties and presidential aspirants intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election, seeking support from Nigerians living abroad.

Remittances from Nigerians in the diaspora provide financial support to many households across the country, helping families meet living expenses and pay for education, healthcare and other needs.

While Obi’s appeal was framed around the need to challenge corruption and demand better governance, the remarks have raised questions about the relationship between political mobilisation and the financial responsibilities many Nigerians abroad have towards their families.

The controversy is likely to add to the debate over the candidates’ competing approaches to Nigeria’s economic difficulties, public accountability and the search for political change ahead of the 2027 presidential election.