In Nigerian politics, it’s not uncommon for those in power to leave office with more than just experience they walk away with vast fortunes that raise questions about their time in office including governors.
While the idea of public service is meant to be one of selfless dedication to the people, many former governors have instead seen their wealth grow exponentially after leaving office.
This phenomenon of “cashing out” after power has become an unfortunate pattern, leaving many Nigerians to wonder, how do these leaders amass such wealth, and why do they seem to get away with it?
Here are five Nigerian governors whose wealth has sparked controversy after they left office.
Orji Uzor Kalu – Abia State (1999–2007)
Before becoming the governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu was already a businessman with a foothold in manufacturing and publishing. However, after his tenure, his wealth surged dramatically, and by 2015, he was named one of Forbes Africa’s top 50 richest individuals, with an estimated net worth of $330 million.
His growing empire included The Sun newspapers, a major publication in Nigeria, and a substantial real estate portfolio.
Yet, his time as governor was marred by accusations of corruption. In 2019, Kalu was convicted of embezzling over ₦7 billion from the state’s coffers, though the verdict was later overturned.
The case left many questions unanswered about how a state that was arguably underdeveloped could be governed by someone whose personal wealth grew at such an extraordinary rate.
James Ibori – Delta State (1999–2007)
James Ibori is one of the most infamous examples of post-office wealth accumulation. After serving two terms as governor of Delta State, Ibori was arrested in Dubai in 2010 and extradited to the United Kingdom, where he was convicted for money laundering and fraud.
He had stolen nearly £50 million of state funds, which he used to buy luxury properties, a private jet, and a collection of high-end cars.
In 2012, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison, a punishment that highlighted the sheer scale of his corruption. However, the case serves as a chilling reminder of how deeply corruption can run in Nigerian politics, with many asking why such a wealthy man could preside over a state that remains impoverished to this day.
Godswill Akpabio – Akwa Ibom State (2007–2015)
Godswill Akpabio, once known for his ambitious “Uncommon Transformation” agenda, turned his time as governor into a springboard for personal wealth. Akpabio’s administration was marked by heavy infrastructural investments, but after leaving office, his own financial portfolio appeared to have undergone an “uncommon transformation.”
The EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) has investigated Akpabio for alleged misappropriation of over ₦100 billion.
Although no convictions have been made, his sudden acquisition of luxurious properties in Abuja and Lagos continues to fuel suspicions about how a man who once governed a state with limited resources could acquire such wealth so rapidly.
Rabiu Kwankwaso – Kano State (1999–2003, 2011–2015)
Rabiu Kwankwaso is a political powerhouse in Kano State, but his wealth accumulation after leaving office is not without controversy. Known for his political influence and his establishment of the Kwankwasiyya Foundation, Kwankwaso’s post-office financial growth has raised eyebrows.
In 2024, he was probed by the EFCC over an alleged ₦2.5 billion pension fraud, but no direct convictions have been made. His wealth, which includes investments in real estate and construction, continues to grow, leading many to question how a man who once governed a state struggling with poverty could have amassed such a fortune.
Sullivan Chime – Enugu State (2007–2015)
Sullivan Chime, former governor of Enugu State, was praised for the infrastructural improvements he made in the state.
However, his financial trajectory post-office has raised concerns. Reports surfaced that Chime had acquired multi-billion-naira properties in upscale areas of Lagos and Abuja, prompting questions about the source of his newfound wealth.
As a former civil servant, Chime’s wealth seemed to grow disproportionally compared to his earnings before taking office. Though he denies any wrongdoing, the sheer scale of his assets has left many wondering if his fortune was influenced by his time in power.
Why does this keep happening?
The pattern of governors accumulating wealth after their tenure is one that seems to repeat itself over and over again. But why does this continue, despite the presence of watchdog agencies like the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)?
The root of the problem lies in Nigeria’s weak systems of accountability. Investigations often drag on for years, with many cases never leading to convictions. Politicians often exploit legal loopholes, delaying justice or evading it altogether.
Even worse, the immunity clause in Nigeria’s constitution shields sitting governors from prosecution, giving them free rein to accumulate wealth with little fear of consequences. By the time they leave office, much of the evidence is buried, and witnesses disappear.
As it stands today, the question remains: will these patterns ever change? Or will the cycle of power and wealth accumulation continue, leaving the average citizen to foot the bill for the lavish lifestyles of those who govern them?