Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, is at the centre of a growing political storm after revealing that he has donated over ₦650 million to humanitarian and educational causes across 11 states since January.
The donations, which Obi announced through a series of posts on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, have been directed to institutions and vulnerable communities in Anambra, Ebonyi, Cross River, Enugu, Kaduna, Edo, Borno, Abuja, Abia, Plateau, and Imo. According to him, the philanthropic effort aligns with his long-standing belief in human capital development and social welfare.
“We must continue to support our health and educational institutions and poverty alleviation if we are to build a strong and sustainable nation for our future leaders,” Obi posted.
However, his charitable gestures have drawn sharp criticism from political opponents—particularly from the All Progressives Congress (APC)—who have questioned his motives and accused him of using philanthropy as a political tool.
APC Calls Donations a Political Stunt
Leading the charge was APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Ijeomah Arodiogbu, who labelled Obi’s recent outreach as “politically desperate.”
“Peter Obi has not stopped showing his level of desperation. When did it become his habit to share money? Our people are aware this is all for 2027,” Arodiogbu said.
He further attacked Obi’s credibility, calling him a “stingy man” who, according to him, does not empower those close to him.
“In our communities, when a master finishes with an apprentice, he settles him. Obi is the kind of master who doesn’t settle his boys,” he alleged.
Obidients, Allies Defend Philanthropic Record
In a swift rebuttal, the Obidient Movement, a support group loyal to Obi, dismissed the APC’s remarks as politically motivated and out of touch.
Speaking with our correspondent, Yunusa Tanko, the group’s National Coordinator, described Obi’s donations as an extension of his deeply rooted values and a continuation of charitable work he began long before entering politics.
“This is not about politics. Peter Obi has always been committed to helping people. He supported Haiti during their earthquake crisis, long before he became governor,” Tanko stated.
Tanko urged APC leaders to focus on governance rather than attacking acts of compassion.
“Why are they so bothered about Peter Obi’s charity? If they’re doing so well, they shouldn’t feel threatened by a man donating to schools and hospitals,” he added.
Critics Accused of Politicising Humanity
Also defending Obi, Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), criticised attempts to politicise the donations, calling them “deeply disappointing.”
“Peter Obi’s philanthropic work didn’t start yesterday. He’s worked in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Rwanda. Reducing that legacy to a campaign strategy is not only unfair—it’s dishonest,” Ameh argued.
A Political Battleground Emerging
While Obi’s supporters maintain that his donations stem from personal values and compassion, critics within the APC suggest they are early signs of a covert campaign to stay relevant ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Observers say the heated response underscores the enduring political relevance of the former governor, whose simple lifestyle and issue-based politics have earned him a loyal and often vocal following.
As the political dust continues to rise, one thing is clear, Peter Obi’s generosity, whether driven by compassion or calculated strategy, has once again put him at the heart of Nigeria’s evolving political narrative.
