The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reconsider sending money to their loved ones in Nigeria, telling them to “tell them no” as he canvassed support for his presidential ambition.

Obi made the remarks during a town hall meeting with his supporters in the UK on Sunday, where he urged Nigerians in the diaspora to support his bid for the presidency in 2027.

The former Anambra State governor is seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the next presidential election.

Speaking about Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges, Obi urged his supporters to tell relatives seeking financial assistance to stop asking for money and instead support a political candidate they believe can address the country’s problems.

“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,” Obi said.

“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.

“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 per cent of what I saved, and nobody has.

“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, who has consistently advocated prudent management of public resources, argued that Nigeria's problems could be addressed if citizens rejected a political culture that allows public funds to be diverted for personal enrichment.

“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,” he said.

He also recalled claims about the state of public institutions and services in previous generations, contrasting them with what he described as the diversion of public resources by some present-day political office holders.

Obi said: “He (not specifying who he was referring to) said when his parents were there, they used to go to hospital. When his parents were there, people were not stealing money to come and buy a house in England.

“People were not stealing money to build a house. You don't hear people finish being military and they own 50 houses. Now you hear such news. Millions of money are missing.”

The former governor further urged his supporters to recognise the need for citizens to take responsibility for changing Nigeria's political system rather than continuing to tolerate corruption and poor governance.

His remarks come amid growing political activities and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with political parties and aspirants increasingly engaging Nigerians in the diaspora for support and mobilisation.

However, the comments have sparked reactions on social media, with some users on X criticising his appeal and questioning its implications for Nigerians who depend on financial support from relatives abroad.

An X user, @Mobola_A_Star, described Obi as “pushing the agenda of an evil man to become president”.

“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.

“Is this the mindset of a good and responsible leader??? A man selling fear and hopelessness as a campaign strategy. After January, all of Una go comot for our screens by the grace of Almighty God.”

Another X user, @NduEbitea, criticised the remarks, 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 to undergo a mental health assessment following the election, writing: “This guy should be checked into a mental health facility after he loses in 2027. And apparently, all the inanities his dumb followers spew on here emanate from him!”

Another user, @Deshysmalls, suggested that Obi might have been drinking when he made the remarks.

“E sure me say Peter don drink plenty of that Guinness on the table, because only a drunkard will say this,” the user wrote.

Also reacting, @koobakedah accused Obi of desperation, arguing that Nigerians would continue to need financial assistance from relatives abroad regardless of who governed the country.

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

The user added that even if Nigeria adopted the economic system of a well-run country, some citizens would still depend on financial support from family members in the diaspora.

The user further described Obi's remarks as hypocritical, arguing that asking Nigerians abroad to stop supporting their loved ones until the 2027 election would be unreasonable.

Another X user, @abbeykool, accused Obi of promoting division, writing: “This lunacy is progressing rapidly. The king of division, always looking for cracks along religious, tribal and now family line. This guy is not well at all.”

Meanwhile, @osazenoo wrote, “Obidients learn their toxicity from Obi. Just imagine…,” while @olohunjuedani responded, “It’s obvious.”

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, Obi's remarks have added to the ongoing debate over corruption, economic hardship, diaspora remittances and the responsibilities of political leaders in addressing Nigeria's challenges.