Flashback: Why Peter Obi Rejected Land Offers as Anambra Governor

BY admin
July 5, 2025
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In a throwback to 2007, documents have resurfaced highlighting how former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, rejected offers of land made to him by the Anambra State Housing Development Corporation (ASHDC).

At the time, Obi was offered two plots of land, each measuring 1107 square metres, located at Hillview Housing Estate in Nkwelle-Ezunaka. The offer came at a token price of just ₦100,000 and was made in two separate letters dated February 13 and May 7, 2007, and signed by then-Managing Director of ASHDC, Mike Nwafor. The allocations Plots 29/L255 and 29/L254—were reportedly made in appreciation of Obi’s contribution to the realization of the housing project.

In a firm rejection of the offer, Obi stated in his response that it was inappropriate for him to benefit personally from his position as governor. He said:

“My being governor is by the grace of God, and I believe firmly that it is wrong to benefit from that. I became governor because I wish to serve my people and to do that devotedly, I believe I have to distance myself from the undue privileges of the office.”

“Consequently, as I thank you for your thoughtfulness, I wish to decline the allocation based on the reasons already adduced.”

The incident stands as an early example of Obi’s often-cited stance on modest governance and fiscal discipline. Throughout his political career, he has consistently advocated for reducing the cost of governance and eliminating wastage in public service.