The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reconsider sending money to relatives seeking financial assistance at home, urging them instead to use their influence to promote credible leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi made the appeal during a town hall meeting with supporters in the UK on Sunday, where he called for a change in Nigeria’s political culture and presented himself as an alternative to leaders he accused of mismanaging public resources. The former Anambra State governor urged Nigerians in the diaspora to encourage their relatives to prioritise good governance and support candidates with a record of prudent financial management. “I have people at home who are begging you for money. Tell them no. Let’s put somebody who has proven,” Obi told his supporters, arguing that the country’s challenges could only be addressed through responsible leadership. He acknowledged that he was not perfect but maintained that his record in office demonstrated a commitment to managing public funds responsibly. “I said I’m not a saint, but at least I have said something,” he said. Obi also challenged other former governors to demonstrate that they had saved a comparable proportion of public funds during their time in office, insisting that prudent management of resources should be a key consideration for voters. He argued that corruption and the alleged diversion of public funds had contributed to Nigeria’s poor infrastructure and inadequate public services, including schools and hospitals. According to him, the country cannot make meaningful progress while public resources are allegedly diverted for personal enrichment instead of being invested in essential services. “That is how the countries change. Countries change by people saying, hey, wait a minute, enough of this,” he said. Obi further criticised the alleged acquisition of properties abroad with misappropriated public funds, contrasting the situation with an earlier period when, according to him, public institutions were better managed. He questioned how public officials could leave office with substantial property holdings while public institutions struggled with funding and citizens continued to face challenges accessing basic services. The NDC candidate urged Nigerians to reject a political system that tolerates corruption, arguing that citizens must take responsibility for demanding transparency and accountability from those seeking public office. Obi is positioning himself to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, as political activities and consultations gather momentum ahead of the polls. Sub-editing note: The headline retains the strongest angle, while the report attributes allegations of corruption to Obi rather than presenting them as established facts. Before publication, independently verify the quoted remarks, the candidate's party affiliation and the reported town hall meeting. The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reconsider sending money to relatives seeking financial assistance at home, urging them instead to use their influence to promote credible leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi made the appeal during a town hall meeting with supporters in the UK on Sunday, where he called for a change in Nigeria’s political culture and presented himself as an alternative to leaders he accused of mismanaging public resources. The former Anambra State governor urged Nigerians in the diaspora to encourage their relatives to prioritise good governance and support candidates with a record of prudent financial management. “I have people at home who are begging you for money. Tell them no. Let’s put somebody who has proven,” Obi told his supporters, arguing that the country’s challenges could only be addressed through responsible leadership. He acknowledged that he was not perfect but maintained that his record in office demonstrated a commitment to managing public funds responsibly. “I said I’m not a saint, but at least I have said something,” he said. Obi also challenged other former governors to demonstrate that they had saved a comparable proportion of public funds during their time in office, insisting that prudent management of resources should be a key consideration for voters. He argued that corruption and the alleged diversion of public funds had contributed to Nigeria’s poor infrastructure and inadequate public services, including schools and hospitals. According to him, the country cannot make meaningful progress while public resources are allegedly diverted for personal enrichment instead of being invested in essential services. “That is how the countries change. Countries change by people saying, hey, wait a minute, enough of this,” he said. Obi further criticised the alleged acquisition of properties abroad with misappropriated public funds, contrasting the situation with an earlier period when, according to him, public institutions were better managed. He questioned how public officials could leave office with substantial property holdings while public institutions struggled with funding and citizens continued to face challenges accessing basic services. The NDC candidate urged Nigerians to reject a political system that tolerates corruption, arguing that citizens must take responsibility for demanding transparency and accountability from those seeking public office. Obi is positioning himself to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, as political activities and consultations gather momentum ahead of the polls.
