Peter Obi: I once rejected N120m house gift

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, says he turned down a N120 million house gift during his 50th birthday when he was Anambra governor.

He said he asked for the money to be used to build classrooms.

Obi turned 64 years on Saturday, July 19.

In a statement on Sunday, the former Anambra governor thanked his well-wishers for celebrating him during his 64th birthday anniversary.

He noted that while he does not personally celebrate birthdays, he prefers that resources meant for him be redirected to projects that benefit the public.

“I recall vividly when I turned 50 during my time as governor. One institution offered to build me a house in the village. When I asked for the cost, they said ₦120 million. I requested that the funds be used instead to build classrooms in three institutions across Agulu, Ekwulobia and Abatete. They obliged—and the impact was far-reaching,” the statement reads.

Obi also disclosed that another group planned a N20 million birthday party for him, but he declined and urged the group to invest the money in education.

He said the group’s final gesture was donating 200 desktop computers which was distributed to schools across Anambra.

Obi noted that he used the occasion of his birthday to pray for Nigeria in Rome, calling for a change of heart among the country’s leaders.

He added that the redirection of such gestures has been his consistent practice over the years, and pledged to continue supporting public institutions that directly serve Nigerians.

“In a similar spirit, an organisation that intended to celebrate me ended up donating buses to institutions in need, including the legendary Old Rangers Association,” Obi said

“The scale of suffering and deprivation among our people makes the idea of personal merriment difficult to contemplate.

“This is why I have again asked those who wish to celebrate me to channel their goodwill to support the poor or struggling institutions in health and education.

“May we all find strength and grace to keep striving for a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.”

Obi’s “modest lifestyle” has often been a subject of debate over the years.

On July 13, the former Anambra governor said he leads a modest lifestyle without domestic staff and personally serves guests in his home.

He made the comment while reacting to viral photos and videos of him serving food at a recent charity event in Imo state.

In 2017, he also revealed that he owned only one wristwatch, which he had used for 17 years, and just two pairs of black shoes.