A video clip of Peter Obi saying “You can’t hire a thief to look after your wealth” has been shared widely on social media in response to comments by former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticizing the Tinubu administration.
Speaking at an Obidient Movement event in Akwa Ibom State. It is being used to amplify opposition attacks on President Bola Tinubu’s economic management.
The Obi clip originates from a speech he gave in February 2026, during which he officially declared his intention to run for president again in 2027.
At the event, Obi spoke about leadership, trust, and competence, using the thief metaphor to argue that Nigerians must choose leaders with integrity and a proven track record. His supporters have since repurposed the line in various contexts to criticize the current government.
The post responds to a separate viral video showing Obasanjo describing a government “deep in debt” yet “spending money like a drunken sailor.”
That video was captioned as a direct condemnation of Tinubu’s administration and labeled it a “complete failure.” Although some users have pointed out that the Obasanjo clip is old and referred to previous administrations, it has nonetheless been widely shared as current commentary.
By combining the two statements, the post creates a narrative that two prominent voices, a former president and a leading opposition figure, are aligned in their criticism of Tinubu’s government. The implication is clear.
Tinubu cannot be trusted with Nigeria’s resources, and his administration is mismanaging the economy to the point of failure.
The pairing has resonated with Nigerians frustrated by rising debt, inflation, and the cost of living. Public debt now exceeds ₦160 trillion. Inflation remains above 28 percent. Prices for fuel, food, and cooking gas have surged. Many see government spending on official travel, renovations, and luxury vehicles as tone-deaf in a time of widespread hardship. In that context, Obi’s words and Obasanjo’s critique feel timely, even if one or both clips are being used out of their original context.
Peter Obi has built his political brand on fiscal discipline and anti-corruption rhetoric. During the 2023 presidential campaign, he positioned himself as the candidate who would end wasteful spending and prioritize investment in education, health, and infrastructure.
He came third in that election but remains a major political force, particularly among young, urban, and diaspora Nigerians who identify with the Obidient Movement.
His February 2026 speech in Akwa Ibom was part of a broader tour to rebuild momentum ahead of the 2027 election. In it, he argued that Nigeria’s problems stem from poor leadership choices and that the country must break the cycle of electing people who see public office as an opportunity for personal gain rather than public service.
The thief line was one of several memorable quotes from that speech, and it has since been clipped and shared repeatedly.
Obasanjo, for his part, has a long history of criticizing Nigerian governments, including those led by his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
His voice carries weight because of his status as a former military head of state and two-term civilian president. When he speaks, people listen, even if they disagree.
His critique of fiscal recklessness, whether aimed at Jonathan, Buhari, or Tinubu, taps into deep-seated concerns about corruption and mismanagement.
Reactions to the combined post have been predictably divided. Supporters of Obi and critics of Tinubu have embraced it, sharing it as evidence that the current administration is unfit to govern. One user commented, “Obi and OBJ are both right. This government is stealing our future.” Another said, “We need someone like Peter Obi who understands money and won’t waste it.”
Pro-government voices have dismissed the post as propaganda. Some accused Obi of being opportunistic and using any controversy to promote himself. Others pointed out that the Obasanjo clip is old and that pairing it with Obi’s statement is misleading. One commenter wrote, “You people will use anything to attack Tinubu. This is shameless.” Another said, “Peter Obi talks too much. What did he do when he was governor….See More
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