Obi Pledges Lean Government, Tough Anti-Waste Reforms

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to drastically reduce the cost of governance and eliminate what he described as unnecessary privileges in public office if elected president in the 2027 general election.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today with Seun Okinbaloye, Obi said his administration would begin cutting government spending from its first day in office. He stressed that funds saved from reducing waste would be redirected to critical sectors such as education, healthcare and security.
The former Anambra State governor argued that Nigeria’s leaders must be prepared to make the same sacrifices they ask of citizens. According to him, government cannot continue to demand austerity from Nigerians while public officials enjoy extravagant benefits.
Obi said he would oppose costly government acquisitions, including expensive presidential aircraft and other privileges, insisting that such resources should instead be invested in improving the lives of citizens. He recalled reducing government overheads during his time as governor of Anambra State by cutting unnecessary expenditures, including expensive liaison arrangements outside the state.
He also reiterated his opposition to maintaining a separate official structure for the Office of the First Lady, describing it as an unnecessary burden on public finances. Obi said Nigerians elect a president, not a presidential couple, and maintained that while his wife would serve as First Lady, she would not operate a separate government office funded by taxpayers.
During the interview, Obi responded to questions concerning allegations about his foreign assets and Code of Conduct declarations. He explained that the assets were acquired legitimately before assuming public office, had been declared, and remained open to investigation. He challenged critics to provide evidence that he had misappropriated public funds.
The NDC candidate also defended investments linked to family businesses, arguing that legitimate savings and investments should not be interpreted as conflicts of interest. Addressing criticism over some of the statistics he frequently cites, Obi said he was open to correction but maintained that his comparisons with countries such as China and South Korea were intended to highlight Nigeria’s missed economic opportunities.
Obi promised to wage an uncompromising fight against corruption, saying he would lead by personal example. According to him, political leaders must first demonstrate discipline and accountability before asking Nigerians to endure difficult economic reforms.
On political alliances, Obi said he was willing to work with all opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, but stressed that his biggest political coalition would be with Nigerian youths. He urged young people to see the 2027 election as a defining moment for the country’s future.
He added that Nigeria needs leadership founded on competence, capacity, compassion, character and commitment. Obi also defended the Obidient Movement, describing it as a broad movement of Nigerians seeking change rather than a conventional political support group.
Reflecting on the 2023 presidential election, Obi said Nigeria must learn from past mistakes and ensure they are not repeated. He expressed readiness to collaborate with anyone genuinely committed to changing the country’s direction.
Obi also hinted that his 2027 presidential bid could be his final attempt at the presidency, noting that he would be in his late 60s at the end of a possible first term and that younger Nigerians should eventually take over leadership.
Asked what his first action would be if inaugurated as president, Obi said his immediate priority would be reducing the cost of governance, insisting that government must surrender unnecessary privileges before asking citizens to bear the burden of economic reforms.