Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has confirmed that he is a billionaire when his wealth is measured in Nigerian naira, but clarified that he does not belong to the category of US-dollar billionaires.
Obi made the disclosure during an interview with media personalities Adeola Fayehun and Rudolf Okonkwo, monitored by The News Chronicle where he was directly asked whether he considered himself a billionaire.
Responding to the question, the former Anambra State governor acknowledged his billionaire status but drew a distinction between being a billionaire in naira and being a billionaire in US dollars.
“Yes, I’m a billionaire in naira. Capital, yes. However, not in dollars. But I’m a billionaire in naira,” Obi said.
His comment has since attracted attention online, particularly amid renewed public discussions about his wealth, business background and the perception of his relatively modest lifestyle.
The disclosure also comes against the backdrop of recent social media debate over the luxury handbag reportedly carried by his wife, Margaret Obi.
Some social media users identified the bag as a Hermès Kelly 35 and claimed it could be worth more than ₦200 million, although the reported valuation has not been independently established.
The controversy has triggered contrasting reactions, with some Nigerians questioning the image of frugality often associated with Obi, while others argue that his personal wealth and lifestyle should not be conflated with his political message.
Obi has, over the years, built a public image around prudent management of resources and fiscal discipline, frequently using his record as Anambra governor and his business background to make the case for greater accountability in public office.
His latest comment, however, offers a rare direct acknowledgment of his personal financial standing, with Obi making clear that while his wealth runs into billions of naira, it does not translate into billionaire status when measured in US dollars.
