By Bamidele Atoyebi

Former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi’s philanthropic giant step has sparked controversy across the country, with many claiming it is a political stunt designed to win the hearts of Nigerians. Is it truly for aid, or is it a calculated move?

Peter Obi, the former governor and 2023 presidential candidate, donated a sum of ₦100 million to St. Philomena College of Nursing in Benin City, Edo State, to support their nursing program. In his words, this gesture stems from his commitment to prioritizing the healthcare sector, education, and the overall wellbeing of citizens.

Yet, during his time as governor of Anambra State, the healthcare sector suffered from frequent industrial actions. Health workers at the Anambra State University Teaching Hospital (now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, COOUTH, Amaku, Awka) embarked on prolonged strikes over poor working conditions, unpaid entitlements, and lack of equipment. These issues were left unresolved. Healthcare was not a priority, and his administration failed to make any lasting or positive impact on the sector.

Such a generous donation has stirred heated debates. To ease public confusion, Peter Obi should clarify the true purpose of his gesture and the intentions behind the donation. He must highlight the tangible benefits this support will bring to the nursing program and the wider community. Addressing concerns may be tactical, but he should acknowledge the questions being asked and provide explanations for such a significant move.

On the surface, such donations appear generous. But a closer look reveals a pattern of political theatre grand gestures made in the spotlight, with little regard for long-term institutional strengthening. This is the same Peter Obi who, while in power, failed to fix the healthcare crises in his own state. Donations after power cannot clean the record of inaction during power.

At a time when the Tinubu administration is undertaking difficult but necessary structural reforms to reset Nigeria’s economy, acts like Obi’s serve as distractions from real governance. Nigerians are watching. They know the difference between leadership that builds and leadership that performs.

Majorly, Peter Obi’s donation has not inspired accountability it has instead exposed the inconsistency between public performance and governance record. It raises the larger issue of politicians who act only when the cameras are on, not when citizens are in need. In contrast, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to focus on laying long-term foundations for progress, even at the cost of political popularity.

Real leadership is measured not by staged philanthropy, but by steady, difficult decisions taken in the interest of the people—whether they clap or not.