Presidency Attacks Peter Obi Over Controversial Diaspora Remittance Comments

The Presidency has criticised Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, following a dispute over remarks attributed to him about Nigerians in the diaspora sending money to relatives back home.

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, attacked Obi in a post on his verified X account on Tuesday, describing the opposition politician as “wicked” and “desperate”.

The controversy followed comments reportedly made by Obi while addressing Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom. The remarks sparked criticism over their perceived implications for Nigerians who depend on financial support from relatives living abroad.

Obi subsequently took to his own X account to clarify his position, saying his message had been twisted. He stressed that money sent home by Nigerians in the diaspora to cover essential expenses should not be taken for granted.

Such remittances help families pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent and food, Obi noted in his clarification, pushing back against the interpretation of his earlier remarks.

Bwala, however, maintained his criticism of the former Anambra State governor. “Have you seen the wickedness of the wicked? Peter Obi said this while speaking to Nigerians in Manchester,” he wrote.

He went on to argue that the statement attributed to Obi suggested that Nigerians abroad should withhold financial assistance from their parents until the current administration was voted out of office.

“Even if your parents are dying, do not send them money until this government is voted out,” Bwala wrote, adding that Obi’s alleged position placed political ambition above the welfare of Nigerians’ parents.

The presidential aide also described Obi as desperate and questioned his approach to political engagement, while making a dismissive prediction about his electoral prospects. Obi’s clarification, however, maintained that diaspora remittances used to meet essential family needs should not be disregarded.

The exchange has intensified the political dispute surrounding Obi’s comments, with the central issue being whether his original remarks were accurately represented. The available statements from both sides reflect competing interpretations of the controversy, rather than an independently established account of the full context of his Manchester address.