Senator Victor Umeh has praised the leadership style and financial discipline of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, describing him as a politician driven by a mission to redirect Nigeria toward what he called “real development.”
Umeh, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made the remarks during an interview from 48:50 on Symfoni TV on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 while discussing Obi’s political philosophy, leadership approach, and views on governance.
According to the senator, Nigeria requires a significant departure from old political practices in order to achieve meaningful progress and national transformation. “There must be a break from the past to behold the future and have a new direction,” Umeh said.
He stated that Obi views his political involvement as a mission focused on repositioning the country and restoring purposeful governance. “So if you see Obi, Obi will tell you that he is here on a mission to put the country back on a track to real development,” he added.
Umeh also emphasized Obi’s long-standing criticism of what he described as excessive and wasteful government spending in Nigeria. He argued that Obi’s personal attitude toward money and spending habits distinguished him from many public office holders.
“And Peter considers governance in Nigeria to be very expensive and wasteful. That is why I can tell you I’ve not seen anybody in my life who can husband money who can keep money more than he can never under any guys spend money unjustly even in his own personal life and business,” he stated.
The senator further said Obi’s financial discipline was reflected in the modest lifestyle he maintains despite his wealth and business background. “So that is why Obi will be with all the money he has he will always maintain a low profile,” Umeh said.
According to him, prudent financial management is one of the key qualities required for effective leadership, especially in a country with Nigeria’s population and economic challenges.
“That is the first discipline you need to provide leadership to any society. If you can’t manage money, you cannot keep money and ostentatious lifestyle, you cannot serve the people, cannot meet the needs of the people,” he stated. “How much more Nigerian people that are in hundreds of millions in number,” he added.
Umeh maintained that Obi’s experience with wealth and business success would prevent him from becoming overwhelmed by the privileges of political office if given the opportunity to lead the country. “So that is one thing he’s going to bring to government that Peter will not be his head will not blow because he has seen money,” he said.
The senator also expressed concern about the scale of public spending often reflected in national budgets, suggesting that many financial figures being discussed in government circles lacked proper accountability. “Today we are hearing about trillions of money in budget. Those things are just made figures,” he stated.
He concluded by expressing confidence that Obi would manage public resources responsibly if elected president. “Peter Obi if he’s the president, any money he finds, he will use it justly,” Umeh said…..Read_More…