RismadarVoice Reporters
October 19, 2026
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians living abroad to reconsider giving financial assistance to relatives and friends at home, arguing that the country’s economic hardship requires lasting political solutions.
Obi made the remarks during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Sunday, October 18, where he called for greater accountability and responsible leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Anambra State governor argued that financial support from relatives overseas might temporarily ease economic difficulties but would not address the governance failures he believes are responsible for widespread hardship.
Addressing Nigerians who regularly receive requests for assistance from home, Obi urged them to encourage their relatives to support competent political leaders instead.
He said Nigerians should demand better governance rather than remain dependent on financial assistance caused by worsening economic conditions.
Obi also defended his record as Anambra State governor between 2006 and 2014, claiming that his administration demonstrated exceptional financial discipline.
Although he acknowledged that he was not perfect, he challenged other former governors to demonstrate savings amounting to even 10 per cent of what he claimed to have preserved during his tenure.
The presidential candidate maintained that his experience in public office provided evidence of his ability to manage public resources responsibly.
However, his comparison with other governors remains a political assertion rather than an independently established nationwide assessment of state government finances.
Obi further urged Nigerians to prioritise integrity, competence and accountability when choosing their leaders.
He argued that meaningful national transformation would require citizens to reject corruption and participate actively in the democratic process.
In a separate message following his Manchester engagement, Obi described rebuilding Nigeria as a collective responsibility, saying the country’s development depended on the quality of those entrusted with public office.
He encouraged Nigerians at home and abroad to regard the 2027 elections as an opportunity to influence the country’s political and economic direction.
His remarks have drawn attention to the relationship between diaspora financial assistance, economic hardship and political accountability as preparations for the presidential election continue.
