Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, over his clarification of remarks concerning Nigerians living abroad and financial support for relatives in Nigeria.
Mr Onanuga accused the former Anambra State governor of attempting to distance himself from comments he made during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom.
In a post on X, Mr Onanuga said Mr Obi’s clarification did not change what he had originally said.
“Mr Peter Obi, you failed to clarify your Manchester callous statement. Nobody twisted your statement. Thank you for affirming it again,” he wrote.
Obi clarifies remarks
Mr Obi had earlier said political opponents distorted his message after his comments generated criticism.
The former governor said he appreciated Nigerians in the diaspora for their sacrifices and financial support to families in Nigeria, noting that remittances help millions of people pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent and feeding.
Mr Obi insisted that he never asked Nigerians abroad to abandon their loved ones.
“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,” he said.
He said his objective was to advocate for a Nigeria that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education and economic opportunities, allowing citizens to meet their needs without depending on relatives overseas.
“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,” Mr Obi added.
Controversial Manchester comments
Mr Obi’s clarification followed remarks he made during a town hall meeting in Manchester, where he urged Nigerians abroad to reject requests for money from people back home.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said, according to reports of the event.
The comments triggered reactions after some interpreted them as a call for Nigerians in the diaspora to stop sending financial assistance to relatives in Nigeria.
Onanuga rejects Obi’s explanation
Mr Onanuga maintained that Mr Obi’s original message was clear and accused him of trying to use the controversy for political advantage.
The presidential aide argued that the former governor was attempting to portray his comments as having been deliberately misrepresented by political opponents.
Mr Onanuga’s response adds to the growing political exchanges between supporters of President Bola Tinubu and Mr Obi ahead of the 2027 general election.
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