The Presidency has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, over remarks made during a meeting with supporters in the United Kingdom concerning financial assistance sent by Nigerians abroad to relatives at home.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, described Obi as “wicked” and desperate in a post on his verified X account on Tuesday, intensifying the political dispute surrounding the former Anambra governor’s comments.
The controversy centres on remarks attributed to Obi during his engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora, in which he urged supporters to challenge relatives at home who request financial assistance and to demand greater accountability from political leaders.
Obi subsequently rejected what he described as a distorted interpretation of his comments. He argued that his position had been misrepresented and stressed the importance of remittances to Nigerian households.
Money sent home by Nigerians living abroad helps many families meet essential expenses, including school fees, rent, food and medical bills. Such transfers also constitute an important source of financial support for households across the country.
The disagreement has therefore drawn attention to the distinction between Obi’s reported appeal for Nigerians to reconsider how they respond to requests for money and the broader economic importance of diaspora remittances.
Bwala’s criticism reflects the growing political exchanges between supporters of the Tinubu administration and opposition figures as the 2027 presidential election approaches.
However, a complete assessment of the controversy requires the original remarks to be considered in context, alongside Obi’s clarification, rather than relying solely on competing political interpretations.