Peter Obi has clarified his description as a billionaire, explaining that his wealth qualifies him as a billionaire in naira but not in US dollars.
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has clarified his billionaire status, saying he qualifies as a billionaire when his wealth is measured in Nigerian naira but not in US dollars.
Obi made the clarification during an interview after being asked directly whether he was a billionaire.
The interviewer asked: “Are you a billionaire or are you not a billionaire?”
Obi responded by drawing a distinction between the two currencies, explaining that while his wealth puts him in the billionaire category in naira terms, the same does not apply when converted into US dollars.
The clarification comes amid longstanding public interest in Obi’s personal wealth and business background, particularly because of his political career and repeated emphasis on financial discipline and prudent management of public resources.
The former Anambra governor has frequently presented his record in government as evidence of his approach to financial management, while opponents and supporters alike have continued to scrutinise his personal finances.
His latest comments are likely to renew public discussion about the distinction between being a billionaire in a local currency and meeting the much higher threshold associated with dollar-based global wealth rankings.