Peter Obi Reacts as Nigerians Debate His Message to Citizens Abroad

(Peter Obi. Photo by The Guardian Nigeria News)
Peter Obi has hit back at people who say he asked Nigerians abroad to turn their backs on their families.

In a post online, on Tuesday, he said his words had been twisted by political rivals, even after his media office issued a clarification.

He said he respects Nigerians in the diaspora who work hard to pay school fees, hospital bills, rent and food for their families back home.

He said he never asked them to abandon their loved ones.

His real concern is that Nigeria should not be a place where millions of people need help from relatives abroad just to survive.

Obi said the country should create jobs, affordable healthcare and good schools so that citizens can take care of themselves.

He added that his goal is a Nigeria that stops leaving its own people behind.

MY MESSAGE HAS BEEN TWISTED Even though my media office has issued a responsible clarification on the situation, I still find it necessary to add my voice to address the distortion of my message by political opponents. I deeply appreciate Nigerians in the diaspora who work tirelessly and make enormous sacrifices to support their families back home. Their remittances pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent, and feeding expenses. Their patriotism and sacrifices deserve our profound respect. I never asked them to abandon their loved ones. My concern is that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival. Our goal must be to build a nation that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities for its citizens. 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. God bless Nigerians at home and abroad. God bless Nigeria. -PO

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) October 20, 2026