Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has firmly denied ever working under any military regime, including that of the late General Sani Abacha.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Obi addressed growing speculation that he served in an official capacity during Abacha’s controversial reign in the 1990s.
He described the claim as false and clarified that his only involvement with the government at the time stemmed from his role as a private-sector entrepreneur.
“I have never worked for any government before becoming governor. I was a very successful businessman, and everybody knows that. I built my business from scratch,” Obi stated.
Obi explained that during Abacha’s tenure, a severe port congestion crisis crippled Nigeria’s import and export system, prompting a delegation of business leaders—including himself—to intervene.
Their advocacy led to a meeting with the finance minister and Abacha, who subsequently directed the formation of a temporary committee to address the issue.
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“As businessmen, we went to Abuja to explain the challenges we were facing with goods being stuck at ports. The head of state asked that we be included in a committee to help decongest the ports. That was the extent of my involvement,” Obi said.
He added that similar consultations occurred during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and emphasized that these interactions were purely advisory and never amounted to government employment or political appointments.
The former governor used the opportunity to reiterate his political journey as one that began outside traditional party structures or public service roles.
“Before I became governor in 2006, I had no political job or affiliation with any regime. My record is clear,” he affirmed.
Obi’s remarks come amid a broader discussion on his political alliances and public statements, especially as he continues to push for reforms through the Labour Party and allied coalitions.