The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has come beneath intense criticism on social media after suggesting that Nigeria can be wealthier if its leaders had left extra public funds in financial institution accounts to earn curiosity….
The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has come beneath intense criticism on social media after suggesting that Nigeria can be wealthier if its leaders had left extra public funds in financial institution accounts to earn curiosity.
Obi made the comment whereas recounting his expertise as governor of Anambra State, arguing that cash saved by accountable leaders may have collected over time and supplied substantial assets for the nation.
“If everybody in this country left money in the bank, they have interest, Nigeria would have been so rich,” he mentioned in a video shared by Vanguard Newspapers on X.
He added that the funds he left in three totally different banks after leaving workplace may have generated curiosity, presenting the choice for instance of prudent administration of public assets.
The former Anambra governor additionally criticised what he described as a bent for dishonest folks to gang up towards those that act truthfully.
“In Nigeria, to be honest is to be a criminal; to be a criminal is to be honest,” Obi mentioned.
He additionally claimed to have recorded the very best efficiency in fundamental training amongst state governors throughout his tenure, citing an evaluation involving Professor Paul Collier of the University of Oxford.
The remarks triggered a heated debate on X, with a number of customers questioning whether or not holding public funds in financial institution accounts ought to be thought-about an achievement when governments have urgent tasks to supply infrastructure and important companies.
Some critics argued that public funds ought to be invested in roads, faculties, hospitals, water provide and different services that enhance dwelling requirements and help financial progress.
One person, Lorenzo Il Magnifico, argued that a big financial institution stability may benefit monetary establishments with out essentially enhancing public infrastructure.
Another person, Wealth231, questioned how leaving cash in banks would alleviate poverty, whereas others challenged Obi to elucidate how his financial savings coverage would translate into tangible advantages for strange Nigerians.
Some commenters additionally raised questions concerning the situation of Anambra State after Obi’s eight-year administration, disputing his claims about his report in training and different sectors.
Others questioned the circumstances surrounding the funds reportedly left within the banks, together with whether or not the state had excellent monetary obligations throughout his tenure. The feedback didn’t, nevertheless, set up the validity of these allegations.
Not all reactions had been vital. Some customers defended the precept of saving public funds, arguing that governments ought to keep away from waste and extreme borrowing whereas constructing reserves for future wants.
One commenter argued that financial savings may present a buffer towards financial shocks, whereas one other pointed to the significance of investing fastidiously relatively than spending public cash with out regard for long-term sustainability.
The debate mirrored a broader disagreement over how governments ought to stability fiscal self-discipline with instant spending on public companies and infrastructure.
The dialogue additionally grew to become more and more political, with some commenters utilizing the controversy to query Obi’s suitability for the presidency forward of the 2027 basic election.
Others resorted to non-public insults and ethnic assaults towards Obi and his supporters, taking the dialog past the financial argument that prompted it.
Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate within the 2023 election, is now the NDC’s presidential candidate for 2027.
The controversy has put renewed give attention to his report as Anambra governor and his method to managing public funds.
While financial savings and curiosity earnings can strengthen authorities funds, the broader coverage query is how such reserves ought to be balanced towards funding in infrastructure, healthcare, training and different public wants.
The video and reactions circulated on X on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
