Peter Obi Reveals Why He Shut Down Office Of First Lady

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has recalled his decision to abolish the Office of the First Lady during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

According to Ireporter Online, Obi said the decision was based on his belief that public funds should not be allocated to an office that does not derive its authority from an electoral mandate.

The former Anambra governor disclosed this during an interview with Advocacy for Good Governance, where he discussed his approach to public spending and administration while in office.

Obi explained that he informed his wife that she was not elected by the people and, therefore, should not operate an official government office or receive public resources as though she held an elected position.

He said he preferred that his wife remain at home while he concentrated on fulfilling the responsibilities for which he was elected by the people of Anambra State.

The former governor added that the decision was consistent with his broader philosophy of ensuring that government resources were directed towards areas that have a direct impact on citizens.

According to Obi, sectors such as education and healthcare deserved greater attention and funding than maintaining offices that he considered unnecessary.

He said the Office of the First Lady should not exist because the occupant had not received a direct electoral mandate from the people.

Obi maintained that his approach was aimed at promoting accountability and ensuring that public funds were used primarily for programmes and services capable of improving the lives of citizens.