I Shun Abuja Property to Avoid Unnecessary Burden – Obi

 

Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Peter Obi, has said he owns no house or land in Abuja, explaining that the decision is deliberate to spare himself avoidable pressure and distractions.

Obi spoke in Abuja during a coffee hangout organised by KayhikersClub, where he reflected on his lifestyle and long-held principle of rejecting privileges that could become a burden.

“I don’t have a house in Abuja, I don’t have land and I’m not preparing to have any because I don’t need it,” he said. “The more you accumulate these things, the more headaches you create for yourself. For years I have never been sick because I avoid what is unnecessary.”

The former Anambra State governor recalled that when he was appointed chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), he declined official perks offered to him.

“On the day I was announced, the Director-General showed me a Prado jeep and told me the allowance for accommodation. I told him I only wanted to attend meetings and nothing more. I rejected the sitting allowance, the car and the house. He said they were my entitlements, but I insisted that whatever God had provided for me was enough,” Obi stated.

He challenged Nigerians to verify his claims, adding that he maintained the same position while serving as chairman of Fidelity Bank.

“They told me I was entitled to a Mercedes 500 or a Range Rover. The bank is still there; go and ask if I collected anything. I made it clear that whatever I needed in my personal life, I already had. I refused anything that would later become a burden,” he said.

Obi maintained that his modest lifestyle had helped him remain focused on service rather than personal accumulation.

“I have enough for my needs. I don’t need to do giveaways to impress anyone. What is important is to live responsibly and avoid unnecessary pressure,” he added.