RismadarVoice Reporters
October 28, 2026
Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has argued that Nigeria could have accumulated greater financial resources if successive administrations had prioritised the preservation and responsible management of public funds.
Obi made the remarks during a radio interview reportedly held in Nasarawa State on Wednesday, where he discussed accountability, government expenditure and his financial management record as governor.
According to him, public resources should be protected against mismanagement, while funds legitimately available for investment could generate additional revenue through interest and other returns.
He maintained that Nigeria had lost opportunities to build substantial financial reserves because of what he described as poor financial discipline among public office holders.
Drawing from his experience in Anambra State, Obi said his administration maintained government funds in three financial institutions as part of its approach to managing public resources.
The former governor has previously identified Access Bank, Diamond Bank and Fidelity Bank as institutions where state funds were held during his tenure.
He argued that prudent financial management could help governments meet future obligations and reduce unnecessary financial pressures.
Obi also criticised what he described as the erosion of honesty and accountability in public service, alleging that individuals who attempted to uphold integrity were sometimes subjected to politically motivated criticism.
He maintained that responsible leadership required transparency, discipline and the willingness to place public interest above personal considerations.
Addressing his administration’s handling of public projects, Obi explained that he did not consider elaborate commissioning ceremonies or extensive publicity necessary for projects financed with taxpayers’ money.
He argued that residents should be able to assess government performance through completed projects and improvements in public services.
The former governor also defended his administration’s record in basic education, claiming that Anambra achieved significant improvements during his tenure.
He referred to assessments of education outcomes and a visit by University of Oxford economist Professor Paul Collier as examples supporting his position.
However, Obi’s account of the financial reserves and liabilities inherited by his successor has remained a subject of public disagreement.
While Obi maintains that his administration left substantial savings, the current Anambra State Government has questioned aspects of his account of the state’s financial position.
His latest remarks add to the debate over public-sector accountability, fiscal discipline and the management of government resources ahead of the 2027 general election.
