Popular opposition figure and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has advised Nigerians in diaspora to stop subsidizing bad governance back home by sending money to people who seek financial assistance at home.
He made the plea at a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Sunday, Obi urging them to rather tell their relatives to vote for productive leaders.
According to the former Anambra State governor, Nigeria’s current economic hardship resulted from bad leadership, arguing that continuous financial assistance only cushions the effects of poor governance. without addressing the root causes.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he advised.
On his public service record, Obi said he distinguished himself from other governors, stressing that no other governor, past or present, matched his achievements in saving public funds.
“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.”
He added that building a new Nigeria would require citizens to take an active role in addressing challenges facing the country.
He therefore urged Nigerians to take the 2027 election seriously, describing the contest as a critical moment for the nation.