ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has debunked claims by the Anambra State Government that his administration left behind inherited debts, including a N2 billion ecological loan, contractor liabilities, and unpaid salaries, gratuities, and pensions, describing the allegations as completely false.
In a statement posted on his official social media handles, Obi said his administration systematically liquidated historical gratuities and arrears dating back several years, amounting to over N35 billion. He insisted that at the point of handover, the state owed nothing in salaries, gratuities, or pensions, nor did his government owe any contractor for projects duly executed and certified.
“My attention has been drawn to trending claims by the Anambra State Government that my administration left behind inherited debts, including a N2 billion ecological loan, contractor liabilities, and unpaid salaries, gratuities, and pensions. This is completely false,” Obi stated.
The former governor explained that the N2 billion ecological fund in question was released barely three months before the end of his tenure for the Oko/Umuchiana erosion crisis. He said despite pressure to spend the money, he refused, insisting that it should be left for his successor because government is a continuum and the funds were tied to a specific project.
“The money was therefore left 100 per cent intact in First Bank, in Account No. 2018779464, with a balance of over N2.13 billion,” Obi revealed. He further stated that funds tied to specific projects or set aside for particular purposes were not even included in the over N75 billion in savings his administration left behind.
Obi challenged anyone with contrary evidence to come forward, declaring that he would stop campaigning if anybody could establish anything to the contrary. “If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning,” he said.
The statement comes amid an ongoing exchange between Obi and the Anambra State Government over the financial state of the state at the point of transition in 2014. The state government, under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has consistently claimed that the Obi administration left behind debts and liabilities that his government had to contend with.
Obi’s supporters have welcomed his rebuttal, describing it as a necessary clarification that exposes what they call a campaign of calumny against the former governor. They noted that Obi’s record of prudent financial management in Anambra remains one of his strongest credentials as he seeks the presidency in 2027.
The former governor’s statement adds to the ongoing debate over his tenure and legacy in Anambra State. As the 2027 elections approach, the issue is likely to remain a subject of political contention, with both sides seeking to shape public perception of Obi’s performance as governor. For now, Obi has made his position clear: he left Anambra better than he met it, with no outstanding debts and substantial savings for his successor.
