Peter Obi, a former governor and prominent businessman in Nigeria, was born on the 19th of July, 1961, in Onitsha, Anambra State. He is well-known not only in his native Nigeria but also internationally. Despite his wealth, he consistently emphasizes his preference for a simple lifestyle over flaunting affluence. He states that he prefers to travel on commercial aircraft and in economy class.
Recently, Peter Obi came under scrutiny following the exposure of his and other public officials’ secret financial activities in the infamous Pandora Papers project. Despite his substantial net worth, Peter Obi does not rank among the richest politicians in Nigeria. Nevertheless, he remains one of the most prominent figures in the political arena.
Peter Obi has made multiple investments and achieved significant success in both business and politics, contributing significantly to his substantial net worth. Currently, his net worth is estimated at $10 million.
When his father passed away, Peter Obi became the heir apparent to his family’s business. He possesses various assets worldwide, and his family operates grocery chains in Lagos, Anambra, and Abuja. Additionally, he holds stakes in financial industries, including banks and stock brokerage firms.
Peter Obi owns numerous mansions and estates across Nigeria and the United Kingdom. According to the Pandora Papers, he has discreetly invested a considerable sum of money in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Peter Obi’s House
In addition to the lush house that he resides in, which is worth millions of naira and is located in Anambra, Peter Obi also has a residence in London.
According to the Pandora Papers, he has an undisclosed amount of money invested in properties in the United States Virgin Islands.
Peter Obi’s house in Anambra
Peter Obi’s cars
Though Peter Obi is not among the top 10 richest politicians in Nigeria, he has expensive cars, which include a Toyota Land Cruiser, a Mercedes-AMG C63, and a Lexus LX 570. Also, when he was governor of Anambra State, he was known to be transported around in a Mercedes G Wagon.
Peter Obi’s political career
Peter Obi served as governor of Anambra State from March 17, 2006, to November of the same year, when he was impeached by the Anambra state assembly, led by Mr. Mike Balonwu, for gross misconduct on November 2, 2006.
Chief Humphrey Nsofor was the majority leader at the time in the Anambra House of Assembly. Then-President Obasanjo stepped in to resolve the conflict.
To further his case with the legislators of Anambra, he sent the PDP National Chairman, Chief Ahmadu Ali, and Party Secretary, Chief Ojo Madueke, to the state capital of Awka. The Supreme Court heard his appeal of impeachment and restored him to office in February 2007.
According to Media TV, during Obi’s tenure as the governor of Anambra State, the state’s economy, schools, and hospitals all improved.
In 2019, he was picked as the vice presidential candidate in the presidential election, running alongside Atiku Abubakar, but lost to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari and vice president Yemi Osinbajo.
In May 2022, Obi became the presidential candidate of the LP in the impending 2023 general elections after defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Peter Obi’s Awards
Peter Obi is a well-liked and esteemed personality who has received various accolades, including;
- Golden Jubilee Award from the Catholic Diocese of Onitsha in 2015 for outstanding commitment to quality healthcare delivery at St. Charles Borromeo Hospital in Anambra State on the occasion of the hospital’s Golden Jubilee celebration.
- The Voice Newspaper (Holland) Achievers Award in 2014 for Outstanding Example in Leadership and Governance.
- Still in 2014, he won another award from Champion Newspaper as the Most Outstanding Igbo Man of the Decade.
- Silver Bird Man of the Year (with Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State) in 2013
- Business Hallmark Newspaper Man of the Year in 2012
- The Golden Award on Prudence in 2012 by the Methodist Church of Nigeria as the Most Financially Prudent Governor in Nigeria.
- Leadership and Good Governance Award in 2012 by The Ezeife Leadership Foundation Award for restoring peace and harmony to Anambra State.
- Best Performing Governor on Immunization in South-East Nigeria in 2012 by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Outstanding Financial Planner and Manager still in 2012 by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion for resourcefulness and creativity in governance.
- Zik Leadership Prize in 2011.
- ICT Governor of the Year in 2010 by the West Africa ICT Development.
- Champion Newspaper, Nigeria’s Most Trustworthy Governor Award in 2009.
- Thisday Newspaper, the Most Prudent Governor in Nigeria in 2009.
Peter Obi’s companies
Peter Obi’s companies include a supermarket chain that operates in Lagos, Anambra, and Abuja, representing one of his diverse ventures in the retail sector. In addition to his involvement in the retail industry, he has investments in various financial services firms, including banks and stock brokerages.
Peter Obi has built a successful and esteemed career in the business sector, leveraging his intelligence and business acumen. Throughout his career, he served in various managerial and business capacities for well-known organizations. Notably, he held the position of Chairman of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) during the administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
His affiliations extend to prestigious organizations such as the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the Nigerian Chartered Institute of Bankers, and the British Institute of Directors (IOD).
Additionally, Peter Obi owns and manages several multinational franchises, including South African international breweries, Ovaltine, and Heinz products, contributing significantly to the considerable increase in his net worth.
Regarding Fidelity Bank, before entering politics, Peter Obi served as the youngest chairman of the bank. While he is a major stakeholder in Fidelity Bank, he is not the outright owner; the ownership belongs to investors of Ghanaian origin. Fidelity Bank, with its 250 business locations and digital banking channels, serves over five million customers, establishing itself as a fully functional commercial bank in Nigeria.
