Former national chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Peter Ameh, has criticised the Federal Government for what he described as reckless and extravagant spending, while highlighting Peter Obi as a rare example of a disciplined, people-focused leader.
Speaking during a recent interview on Channels Television, Ameh condemned the current administration’s approach to fiscal policy, particularly its allocation of public funds to luxuries amid widespread poverty.
“We cannot be buying a private jet for ₦150 billion while 80 percent of our population lives in poverty,” Ameh declared.
“You can’t be purchasing candlelight for ministers or spending billions on kitchen utensils while citizens are hungry. This is not governance, it is self-indulgence.”
Ameh praised Obi, the former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, for consistently advocating prudent spending and prioritising investment in people.
“In Peter, we have someone who understands the value of money, who cuts down on excesses and believes in investing in people,” he said.
“That’s the kind of leadership Nigerians are yearning for.”
He pointed to the performance of the 2024 budget as a reflection of poor governance priorities, noting that recurrent expenditure exceeded 100 percent, while capital investment lagged behind at under 30 percent.
“Our money is being used to service power, not to empower the people,” Ameh added.
“Governance should not be about buying more for yourself, but building more for the people.”
According to him, Obi’s approach marks a clear departure from the entitlement-driven politics that has defined past and present leadership in Nigeria.
“Peter doesn’t promise frivolous things. He speaks about investment in local manufacturing, supporting farmers, and building a self-sustaining economy. That’s the conversation we need.”
He also expressed concern over federal policies that, in his view, undermine domestic industries to please foreign interests.
“Rice prices have dropped, but they’re killing local farmers by allowing imports to flood the market. How does that build an economy? Peter won’t allow that,” he said.
Ameh stressed that meaningful change will only occur when governance is centred on national development, particularly in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
“We have the best arable land in the world, yet we import everything,” he said.
“We must invest in our own capacity, agriculture, small businesses and local industries.”
He also addressed Peter Obi’s popularity among Nigerians, asserting that it comes from substance, not spin.
“The people trust him because he walks his talk. He’s not riding on propaganda. He has lived what he preaches,” he stated.
Economic analysts, including Maryam Audu, have echoed similar sentiments, noting that Nigeria’s fiscal structure overwhelmingly supports elite privileges at the expense of broader social welfare.
“The country spends massively on government luxury while neglecting healthcare, education and infrastructure,” Audu said.
“Unless there is a fundamental shift, we will keep going in circles.”
Ameh called for legal reforms to curb excessive government spending and introduce stronger mechanisms for accountability in public procurement.
“You can’t have a system where someone can buy candles with taxpayers’ money and get away with it. That’s abuse,” he said.
He concluded with a reminder that leadership must be rooted in service, not self-interest.
“What we want is a leader who sees governance as a duty, not a feast. Don’t just clap because someone speaks well. Ask: will they save money or spend it on themselves?” he said.
