Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has denied allegations of corruption, asserting that he left behind substantial funds in the state treasury that he could have easily embezzled while in office.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday Politics aired on Channels Television, Obi responded to questions about being named in the Panama Papers, a global investigation that exposed secret offshore accounts held by politicians and business elites. He called for a thorough investigation into the claims, maintaining that he has nothing to hide.
“I left ₦36 billion and $150 million behind when I left office as governor. If I was a thief, I would have stolen it. A thief does not leave what he is supposed to steal,” Obi stated emphatically.
He also reiterated his long-standing stance on good governance and anti-corruption, promising to take a firm stand against graft if given the opportunity to lead Nigeria.
“When you’re not stealing, your wife is not stealing, your family is not stealing—then you set the standard as a leader,” he said. “I’ve always stood on that principle, and I will fight corruption head-on.”
Obi used the platform to defend his track record in office, particularly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He highlighted significant improvements made during his tenure, including the establishment of schools of nursing and rural road construction.
“Everything I said I would do as governor, I did. Education improved, children stayed in school, health facilities were upgraded. We didn’t have a single school of nursing, and by the time I left, we had several,” he said.
According to Hobnob News, Obi remains a polarizing figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. While many of his supporters regard him as a beacon of integrity and a symbol of change, critics question his capability to lead the nation through its current challenges.
When asked if Nigerians could trust him to restore hope, Obi replied confidently: “I can show you the results. I’m not perfect, but I kept my word. That’s what leadership is about.”
The former governor’s remarks have reignited public debate over his credibility, especially among political observers still weighing the long-term impact of his 2023 presidential bid.
