Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has strongly denied allegations of corruption, declaring that he left billions in public funds untouched at the end of his tenure — money he insists he could have stolen if he were truly corrupt.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Obi said,“
I left ₦36 billion and $150 million when I was leaving office. A thief does not leave behind what he could have easily stolen.”
His comments come amid renewed scrutiny over his name being listed in the Panama Papers, a leaked document detailing offshore financial dealings involving several world leaders and businesspeople.
Peter Obi welcomed a full investigation into the Panama Papers, insisting he had nothing to hide.
The former governor used the opportunity to reiterate his anti-corruption stance and commitment to transparency.
“When you’re not stealing, your wife is not stealing, and your family is not stealing, then you set the standard as a leader,” Obi stated.
Asked whether he could be trusted to restore hope to Nigerians, Peter Obi pointed to his track record in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and financial prudence during his time in office.
“I said I would fix education, and we did. The results were visible. I said we would improve healthcare — we didn’t even have a single school of nursing when I came in. By the time I left, we had multiple,” he said. “On rural roads, we made real progress.”
Obi’s supporters continue to hail him as a rare example of integrity in Nigerian politics. However, critics remain skeptical, especially given his mention in global investigative reports.
Still, Peter Obi insists his legacy speaks for itself. “Let them investigate everything. I’m not afraid,” he said.
As Nigeria looks toward the 2027 elections, Obi’s public reaffirmation of his record and values appears aimed at reinforcing his image as a clean and capable alternative in a political space often plagued by corruption scandals.
