Anambra State, located in southeastern Nigeria, is home to some of the most affluent and influential political figures in the country. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit, educational achievements, and vibrant political participation, Anambra has produced individuals who have not only shaped the state's destiny but have also amassed significant personal fortunes along the way.
This post dives deep into the top 10 richest politicians in Anambra State, examining their estimated net worth, sources of wealth, political influence, and public impact. These individuals have not only played major roles in governance but also excelled in sectors such as oil and gas, aviation, real estate, banking, and philanthropy.
1. Peter Obi – $900 Million
Peter Obi stands tall as one of the most admired politicians in Anambra and Nigeria at large. Born on July 19, 1961, Obi gained prominence as the former Governor of Anambra State, serving two terms between 2006 and 2014. Before entering politics, he was a savvy businessman with stakes in banking, finance, and importation.
He founded Next International Nigeria Ltd., which played a significant role in distributing international brands in Nigeria. Obi also held key positions in various Nigerian financial institutions including Fidelity Bank. His transparent style of governance, fiscal prudence, and anti-corruption stance made him a favorite among citizens, especially during his time in office.
Peter Obi's wealth comes from years of disciplined investment, successful business management, and strategic financial planning. His net worth is estimated to be around $900 Million.
2. Andy Uba – $890 Million
Emmanuel Nnamdi Uba, popularly known as Andy Uba, is another wealthy political juggernaut from Anambra. He served as a Presidential Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Domestic Affairs from 1999 to 2007 and later became a senator representing Anambra South.
Uba’s entrance into politics was facilitated by his connections at the federal level, but he also has extensive business interests. His fortune stems from a mix of political influence, real estate, and business deals, some of which date back to his early years in the United States.
With an estimated net worth of $890 Million, Andy Uba remains one of the most financially successful political figures in the southeast.
3. Emeka Offor – $890 Million
Sir Emeka Offor is a prominent businessman and philanthropist. Although not an elected official, his political influence in Anambra State is undeniable, and he has played kingmaker roles in several elections.
Offor is the founder of The Chrome Group, a conglomerate with interests in oil and gas, power, and logistics. His wealth skyrocketed through deals in the oil industry, especially in upstream operations.
Besides business, he is known for philanthropic work through the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, which focuses on education, health, and economic empowerment. His estimated net worth is about $890 Million, making him one of the richest individuals from Anambra State.
4. Dr. Bryant Orjiakor – $850 Million
Dr. A.B.C. Orjiakor is a trained orthopedic surgeon who ventured into oil and gas with great success. He is the co-founder and former chairman of SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company, a leading indigenous oil and gas company in Nigeria.
Though he is more prominent in the business world, Dr. Orjiakor’s influence in Anambra’s political landscape is significant due to his financial contributions and philanthropic outreach.
His estimated net worth stands at $850 Million, thanks largely to his holdings in oil and gas and strategic investments.
5. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema – $800 Million
Allen Onyema is best known as the founder and CEO of Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest private airline. Though not a career politician, Onyema has often participated in political and peace advocacy across Nigeria, earning him honorary recognition in political circles.
A lawyer by training, Onyema is also a strong advocate for ethnic unity and social justice. His aviation business, particularly during the repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa and Sudan, brought him national fame and respect.
His estimated net worth is around $800 million, generated primarily from aviation, real estate, and agriculture.
6. Senator Stella Oduah – $7 Million
Stella Oduah is one of the most prominent female politicians from Anambra State. She served as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and currently holds a seat in the Senate, representing Anambra North.
Before her political career, she founded Sea Petroleum and Gas Company Limited (SPG), an oil marketing company. Her tenure as aviation minister saw major renovations of Nigerian airports, though not without controversy.
Her net worth is estimated at $7 million, with wealth generated from oil marketing, politics, and consultancy services.
7. Senator Uche Ekwunife – $6 Million
Uche Ekwunife is another influential female figure in Anambra’s political arena. She began her career in banking before transitioning to politics. Ekwunife has served as a member of the House of Representatives and as a Senator representing Anambra Central.
She is known for her grassroots politics and has sponsored numerous developmental projects across her district. Her estimated net worth is around $6 million, primarily from politics and investments in property and finance.
8. Chief Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano – $4 Million
The former First Lady of Anambra State, Ebelechukwu Obiano, was an integral part of governance during her husband Willie Obiano's administration. She was the founder of the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE), a non-governmental organization focused on supporting the underprivileged.
Though not an elected official, her political visibility and influence cannot be underestimated. Her estimated net worth is around $4 million, mostly from family investments, NGO engagements, and political involvement.
9. Senator Joy Emodi – $2 Million
Senator Joy Emodi is one of the pioneering women in Anambra politics. A former senator for Anambra North, she is widely respected for her stance on education and public welfare.
Emodi is a lawyer by profession and has authored several publications on democratic development. Her political journey is marked by decades of advocacy for improved education and gender inclusion.
Her net worth is estimated at $2 million, derived from her political career, consulting, and book publications.
Summary Table: Richest Politicians in Anambra State
| Rank | Name | Estimated Net Worth | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peter Obi | $900 Million | Former Governor, Businessman |
| 2 | Andy Uba | $890 Million | Senator, Presidential Aide |
| 3 | Emeka Offor | $890 Million | Oil Magnate, Philanthropist |
| 4 | Dr. Bryant Orjiakor | $850 Million | Oil Tycoon, SEPLAT Founder |
| 5 | Allen Onyema | $800 Million | Air Peace CEO, Peace Advocate |
| 6 | Senator Stella Oduah | $7 Million | Former Minister of Aviation, Senator |
| 7 | Senator Uche Ekwunife | $6 Million | Politician, Former Banker |
| 8 | Chief Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano | $4 Million | First Lady, Philanthropist |
| 9 | Senator Joy Emodi | $2 Million | Education Advocate, Former Senator |
Final Thoughts
Anambra State has long been recognized as a breeding ground for business-savvy individuals who also play critical roles in the governance of Nigeria. The intersection of political power and entrepreneurial skill is clearly evident in this list. From oil magnates to seasoned lawmakers, these individuals have leveraged their networks, education, and business acumen to build lasting wealth and influence.
Whether through strategic investments, business empires, or grassroots political engagement, the richest politicians in Anambra are proof that power and prosperity often go hand-in-hand. Their stories offer valuable insights into how politics and business can be combined to create generational impact, not just for personal gain but also for community development.
As Anambra continues to produce new waves of political leaders, it is likely that we will see even more names joining this list in the years to come.
