By Isaac Mission
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has disclosed how he reduced government expenditure during his time as governor of Anambra State, saying he avoided unnecessary spending and travelled without a large entourage.
Obi made the disclosure on Monday while speaking in Washington, D.C., United States, where he discussed his approach to managing public resources and reducing the cost of governance.
The former governor explained that he rejected inflated budgetary provisions for the renovation of his official residence and office, opting to complete the projects at substantially lower costs.
According to him, ₦298 million was initially budgeted for the renovation of his office, but the work was completed with ₦48 million.
He also revealed that the renovation of his official residence, which had an approved budget of ₦486 million, was eventually carried out at a cost of ₦81 million.
“When I was governor, the budget for refurbishing my office was ₦298 million, but I did everything with ₦48 million. There was also a budget of ₦486 million to refurbish my house, but I completed everything with ₦81 million,” Obi said.
Obi Explains Why He Travelled Without Entourage
The former Anambra governor also spoke about the expenses associated with official travels, saying he deliberately avoided taking along the large number of officials often attached to governors during foreign trips.
He explained that although governors could travel with up to 30 people, he chose to travel alone when he was the only person invited to an engagement.
“As a governor, you are supposed to travel with 30 people to several places. Over the years I was governor, I didn’t use 16 percent of my travel allowance because I wasn’t travelling with anybody. I was the only person invited; nobody invited them,” he said.
Obi has consistently advocated for a reduction in the cost of governance, arguing that Nigeria’s limited resources should be channelled into productive sectors capable of improving the lives of citizens.
Former Governor Highlights International Engagements
The NDC presidential candidate recently embarked on visits to Germany and the United Kingdom, following earlier engagements in Benue and Plateau states.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms after returning to Abuja, Obi said he left Nigeria for Europe on September 8, 2026, after completing his visits to the two states.
He said the European engagements focused on issues affecting Nigeria’s development, including democracy, electoral integrity, poverty, education, corruption and healthcare.
According to him, discussions with international partners centred on practical ways to support Nigeria’s progress, particularly in the education sector.
Obi described education as the most important investment the country could make in its citizens, stressing that meaningful national development would remain difficult without equipping Nigerians with the necessary knowledge and skills.
He said he was encouraged by the willingness of international partners to support Nigeria’s educational development.
Obi Calls for Shift From Consumption to Production
The former governor also renewed his call for a fundamental change in Nigeria’s economic direction.
He argued that the country must move away from excessive consumption and dependence towards productivity, responsible resource management and economic self-reliance.
“We must intentionally transition Nigeria from consumption to production, from dependence to productivity, from wasteful practices to responsible resource management, and from division to a common national purpose,” he said.
Obi said his broader vision was to build a country where children could access quality education, democracy would reflect the wishes of voters, healthcare would be available and public resources would be managed responsibly.
He added that every Nigerian deserved a fair opportunity to live a dignified and productive life.
Political Activities Intensify Ahead of 2027
Obi’s latest engagements come as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Other presidential contenders have also stepped up consultations and international engagements as parties prepare for the next election cycle.
The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, recently travelled to the United States and Canada as part of a North American tour linked to his 2027 campaign.
The party said his absence from Nigeria would not affect the #Sowore2027 campaign, maintaining that its activities would continue to focus on revolutionary transformation, equal rights and justice.
President Bola Tinubu has also travelled to Europe. The Presidency said the President departed Abuja for a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave.
His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that London, United Kingdom, was Tinubu’s first destination and that the President would return to Nigeria at the end of his working vacation.
The political developments are unfolding against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced the official campaign period on August 19, while the elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027.