ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has clarified the facts surrounding the multilateral development funds accessed by Anambra State during his tenure as governor, the financial position he left behind in 2014, and what he described as the urgent need to focus on the hardships confronting Nigerians rather than political distractions.
Obi made the clarifications during an interview with ARISE News, excerpts of which he shared on his official social media handles on Friday. He said he decided to speak on the matter to correct factual details, clear all doubts, and put the issues in their proper perspective.
“I clarified the facts surrounding the multilateral development funds accessed by Anambra State, the financial position I left behind in 2014, and the urgent need to focus on the hardships confronting Nigerians rather than on political distractions,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra governor has been locked in a dispute with the Anambra State Government over the financial state of the state when he handed over power in March 2014. The state government, under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has claimed that Obi’s administration left behind external loans amounting to $123.77 million, with an outstanding balance of about $92.35 million as of June 30, 2026.
Obi has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that his administration liquidated historical gratuities and arrears amounting to over N35 billion and that the state owed nothing in salaries, gratuities, or pensions at the point of handover. He also said the N2 billion ecological fund in question was left 100 percent intact in a First Bank account for his successor.
The dispute has intensified in recent weeks, with the APC Presidential Campaign Council demanding that Obi withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if he cannot disprove the claims. Obi has challenged anyone with contrary evidence to come forward, declaring that he would stop campaigning if anybody could establish anything to the contrary.
In the interview, Obi reiterated his commitment to focusing on the issues that matter to Nigerians, including the economy, security, and the welfare of the people. He said the 2027 election should be about ideas and solutions, not about political distractions and personal attacks.
“The challenges facing Nigerians today are enormous. We have millions of children out of school, millions of people living in poverty, and a healthcare system that is failing our people. These are the issues that should occupy our attention, not the politics of distraction and character assassination,” Obi said.
He said his administration, if elected, would prioritise investment in education, healthcare, and human capital development as the foundation for national transformation. He also reiterated his commitment to reducing the cost of governance, tackling corruption, and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“We must change the way we do things. We must invest in our people, in their health and education, and we must create opportunities for our young people. That is how we can build a new Nigeria,” he said.
Obi also addressed the issue of the 2027 elections, urging Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process and to hold their leaders accountable. He said the electorate must be vigilant and must reject attempts to manipulate the process.
“The 2027 election is an opportunity for Nigerians to change the direction of our country. We must not allow anyone to steal our votes or to undermine our democracy. We must be vigilant and we must ensure that our votes count,” he said.
The former governor also called on the media and civil society organisations to focus on the issues that matter to Nigerians and to hold political actors accountable. He said the media had a critical role to play in shaping public discourse and in ensuring that elections are free, fair, and credible.
“The media must focus on the issues. They must interrogate the candidates, hold them accountable, and ensure that Nigerians have the information they need to make informed choices,” Obi stated.
He concluded with his campaign slogan, saying, “A new Nigeria where leaders are proud of their past is POssible.“
