THE NATIONAL PATRIOTS RESPOND
19 October 2026
There comes a point when political opposition crosses the boundary between legitimate criticism and an alarming failure of judgment. Peter Obi’s reported advice to Nigerians abroad to refuse financial assistance to struggling relatives at home represents precisely such a moment.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Manchester, United Kingdom, the former Anambra State Governor reportedly declared:
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!”
What an extraordinary statement from a man aspiring to govern the very people whose suffering he repeatedly invokes in his political speeches!
Since when did denying hungry families food become a strategy for rescuing a nation?
Does Obi understand that diaspora remittances finance medical treatment, children’s education, essential medication and the survival of elderly parents?
Should a mother requiring urgent surgery be abandoned because Obi opposes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu? Should a child withdraw from school? Should vulnerable Nigerians be denied life-saving assistance to advance one politician’s presidential ambitions?
Nigerians are not political hostages. Their survival must never become collateral damage in anyone’s pursuit of presidential power.
Obi may argue that he intended to expose the consequences of poor governance. Nevertheless, the humanitarian implications of his reported advice are deeply troubling.
A politician who claims to understand the suffering of ordinary Nigerians should propose solutions that alleviate hardship, not encourage measures capable of intensifying it.
Compassion is not a campaign slogan. It is a fundamental qualification for leadership.
THE ANAMBRA RECORD: QUESTIONS OBI MUST ANSWER
Before presenting himself as the ultimate authority on prudent governance, Peter Obi should address the controversy surrounding his financial stewardship of Anambra State.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has challenged Obi’s claims about the financial position he left behind.
In September 2026, the Anambra State Government released records identifying eight external financing facilities associated with Obi’s administration, reportedly valued at approximately $123.77 million, with an outstanding balance of $92.35 million as of June 2026.
Obi disputes the interpretation of these figures, maintaining that multilateral development financing arrangements should not be confused with commercial borrowing or actual disbursements during his tenure.
The National Patriots believe these competing claims deserve independent reconciliation.
Public accountability cannot be established through political declarations alone. Financial records, audited accounts and verifiable evidence must speak louder than carefully rehearsed narratives.
Obi cannot demand transparency from others while expecting his own record to remain beyond scrutiny.
2027: POLITICAL NOISE IS NOT ELECTORAL STRENGTH
Peter Obi is entitled to contest the presidency. However, entitlement to contest is not evidence of the capacity to win.
President Tinubu enters the 2027 political contest with the advantages of incumbency, the established nationwide structure of the All Progressives Congress and considerable political experience.
Obi faces the more difficult task of converting personal popularity into a credible nationwide electoral organisation.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also remains a significant political contender whose electoral networks and experience cannot simply be dismissed.
Nigeria’s presidency is not won through social media enthusiasm, overseas gatherings or inflammatory declarations.
Under Section 134 of the Constitution, a successful presidential candidate must satisfy both the applicable majority-of-votes requirement and the constitutional geographical spread requirement.
Political rallies attract attention. Electoral structures mobilise voters. Credible policies build confidence. Ultimately, Nigerians decide.
President Tinubu’s re-election is not guaranteed, but neither can Obi presume that public dissatisfaction automatically translates into support for his candidacy.
If Obi believes he offers superior leadership, he should demonstrate it through a coherent economic programme, credible figures and practical alternatives.
Nigeria needs solutions, not political theatrics masquerading as compassion.
POWER BELONGS TO GOD, NOT POLITICAL ASPIRANTS
There is another lesson worth remembering.
The Holy Qur’an declares in Surah Aal-Imran 3:26:
“You give authority to whom You will, and You take authority away from whom You will.”
The Bible similarly reminds us in Daniel 2:21:
“He removeth kings, and setteth up kings.”
These sacred teachings counsel humility before the Almighty.
No politician can claim divine authority to determine another person’s political destiny. Neither Obi nor Tinubu’s supporters can know with certainty what 2027 will bring.
God Almighty alone knows who will live to witness tomorrow, while Nigeria’s Constitution provides the democratic mechanism through which citizens choose their leaders.
Political ambition must therefore be tempered by humility, truth and respect for the electorate.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What manner of leadership seeks political victory through the additional suffering of those it promises to rescue?
The hungry cannot eat political rhetoric. The sick cannot purchase medicine with campaign promises. And the poor should never be required to sacrifice their survival to satisfy another man’s presidential ambition.
A leader who cannot separate political rivalry from humanitarian responsibility has a serious question of judgment to answer.
THE NATIONAL PATRIOTS POSITION
The National Patriots unequivocally reject any suggestion that Nigerians abroad should withhold essential financial assistance from their families as an instrument of political pressure.
We recognise Peter Obi’s constitutional right to criticise President Tinubu and campaign for his removal through democratic elections.
However, opposition to a government must never become opposition to the survival of its citizens.
We urge Nigerians in the diaspora to continue supporting their loved ones, particularly where food, healthcare, education and basic survival are concerned.
We equally urge President Tinubu to intensify efforts to reduce hardship, strengthen social protection and translate ongoing economic reforms into visible improvements in ordinary Nigerians’ lives.
The National Patriots support President Tinubu’s re-election on the basis of his reform agenda, demonstrated achievements and the expectation of greater people-centred governance.
Nevertheless, that support must be justified by performance, not hostility towards political opponents.
Peter Obi should reconsider his reported remarks and clarify whether he genuinely believes withholding essential family assistance constitutes responsible political action.
Nigeria’s presidency is not a prize to be pursued at the expense of the vulnerable. It is a sacred responsibility to protect them.
Let Peter Obi campaign with facts, figures and solutions. Let President Tinubu defend his record. And let Nigerians decide in 2027.
The people’s welfare must always come before political ambition.
Dr. G. Fraser. MFR
THE NATIONAL PATRIOTS
