By Halimat Aliu

The claim that Peter Obi as the governor of Anambra State left behind an equivalent of about $155 million is not, by itself, sufficient evidence of exceptional leadership.

We have heard this money-left-behind story repeatedly since 2022. Surely, it is time to move beyond it and showcase the tangible achievements of his eight years as Governor of Anambra State.

Let us have a verifiable account:

1. Roads: Which roads did he build or rehabilitate? Where are they, and what was their impact?

2. Aviation: Did he build an airport or establish an airline? If these were not his priorities, what comparable initiatives did his administration undertake to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity?

3. Healthcare: Which hospitals did he build, upgrade or equip? How did these investments improve access to quality healthcare?

4. Education: Which schools or educational institutions did he establish? What improvements did he make to existing schools, and what measurable results followed?

5. New institutions and projects: What enduring institutions, major projects or novel initiatives came into existence in Anambra through his administration

6. Agriculture: What did he do to improve farmers’ productivity, access to markets, processing capacity and income?

7. Onitsha Main Market: How did his administration improve the market’s infrastructure, accessibility, sanitation, security and trading conditions?

8. Commerce and industry: What practical measures did he take to support businesses, attract investment, encourage manufacturing and create jobs?

9. Overall impact: In measurable terms, how did he leave Anambra better than he met it?

These questions deserve answers supported by evidence. They are not an assertion that he achieved nothing; they are a request that his achievements be demonstrated.

Peter Obi is someone I respect as a gentleman and an elder brother. However, being a good, humble or reportedly incorruptible person does not, by itself, establish the capacity to govern a country as complex as Nigeria. Personal integrity matters, but so do competence, judgment, execution and results. We should learn from the expectations surrounding Buhari’s presidency. A reputation for personal integrity encouraged extraordinary hopes, but reputation alone proved insufficient. We should be careful about attributing messianic qualities to any politician.

His supporters would serve the electorate better by presenting his strongest achievements in Anambra and explaining how that record supports his presidential ambition.

Leaving money behind may demonstrate fiscal prudence, depending on the circumstances. But the amount alone does not tell us the state of public services, outstanding obligations or unmet development needs. What was the money earmarked for? What needs remained, and why was retaining those funds the better decision? Those are legitimate questions.

Nor must every governor build an airport or establish an airline. The real test is whether the administration identified the people’s priorities and delivered lasting, measurable improvements.

Nigeria needs leadership capable of managing its enormous diversity and complicated economic, institutional and security challenges. If Obi has that capacity, let his supporters demonstrate it through his record and concrete proposals. Enough of making the money-left-behind story carry the entire argument.

I respect Peter Obi. Nevertheless, the case presented for his performance in Anambra has not convinced me that he should be preferred to President Tinubu in 2027. Those who disagree should answer these questions with verifiable achievements.

My opinion, though.

Halimat Aliu, a philosopher, is a member of the City Boy Movement (CBM)