Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has revealed one of the boldest decisions he made during his tenure in office — shutting down the Office of the First Lady.
In a no-holds-barred statement that has reignited conversations about accountability and public spending, Obi said:
“The Office of First Lady was getting more money than other ministries. I shut it down because nobody voted for my wife.”
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The comment, which has since gone viral, reflects Obi’s long-standing reputation for transparency, fiscal discipline, and reform-oriented leadership. Known for his minimalistic lifestyle and aversion to waste, the former governor explained that he couldn’t justify the massive funds being funneled into an office that had no constitutional backing or democratic mandate.
The move shocked many at the time, but it also earned him respect as a leader willing to make unpopular yet principled decisions. Rather than follow the status quo, Peter Obi chose to redirect resources to sectors that directly impacted citizens, including education, health, and infrastructure.
His decision to cut off funding to the Office of the First Lady sent a strong message about the importance of prioritizing governance over personal or ceremonial privileges — a stance that continues to resonate with supporters who admire his no-nonsense approach to leadership.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with concerns over government waste and inefficiency, Peter Obi’s example from his time in Anambra stands as a model for cost-saving governance and reform-minded politics.
With his growing national profile and continued influence in political discourse, Obi’s comments are a timely reminder that leadership is not about titles or entourage — it’s about service, integrity, and results.
