The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has challenged Nigerian governors to demonstrate a stronger record of prudent financial management, claiming that none has saved up to 10 per cent of the amount he saved while governing Anambra State.
Obi made the claim during a town hall meeting with Nigerians living in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he defended his record in office and blamed Nigeria’s economic difficulties on poor leadership.
“I’m not saying I’m a saint, but I saved money. I’ve not seen one governor who has saved 10 per cent of what I saved. No governor has done it,” he said.
The former Anambra governor argued that responsible management of public funds was essential to addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, insisting that the country needed leaders who would prioritise productivity and accountability.
He also urged Nigerians in the diaspora to reconsider sending money to relatives and others at home who seek financial assistance, arguing that such support could ease immediate hardship without resolving the underlying problems.
“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said.
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Obi urged Nigerians living abroad to use their influence on family members and friends to encourage political choices that could improve governance and create better economic opportunities.
He maintained that lasting solutions to poverty and economic insecurity would require Nigerians to confront governance failures rather than rely solely on financial assistance from relatives abroad.
The NDC candidate further advocated beginning political change by supporting leaders considered less corrupt, arguing that improved leadership could help strengthen public institutions and accountability.
“Let’s start with this one that is less corrupt. That’s how other countries change,” he said.
Obi also called on Nigerians to take the 2027 general election seriously, describing it as an important opportunity to determine the country’s future direction.
He urged voters to scrutinise candidates’ records, competence and capacity to manage public resources before deciding whom to support, stressing the need for citizens to demand accountability from those seeking public office.