Obi urges Nigerians to reject politicians sharing money, vote competent leaders

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has urged Nigerians abroad to desist from sending money to their folks at home, and instead support candidates with proven competence.

Obi made the call at a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Sunday.

“You have people begging for home at home; tell them no. Tell them, ‘Get up and let us vote somebody who has proven competence’,” he said.

Obi urged Nigerians to begin demanding accountability from political leaders, arguing that change would come when citizens rejected the status quo.

“So at least let’s start with this one who is maybe less corrupt. We are not saying he is not, but less. This is how a country changes. It changes by people saying, ‘Wait a minute, enough of this’,” he said.

He blamed the diversion of public funds for the lack of adequate schools and hospitals, alleging that billions of naira were missing.

Obi also defended his record as governor of Anambra State, saying he had saved public funds during his tenure.

“I am not saying I am a saint. But at least I have saved something. I am not the only person who has been governor, and I am challenging them to tell me one governor who has saved 10 per cent of what I saved. And nobody have,” he added.