Peter Obi vs. Anambra: Debt Claims and Election Promises Stir Political Waters

The political landscape surrounding Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections, is currently marked by multifaceted controversies. These include a persistent financial dispute with the Anambra State Government regarding alleged outstanding debts and salary arrears from his tenure as governor, as well as internal party dynamics concerning his campaign structure.

Recently, the Anambra State Government released documents indicating the approval of N363.381 million as the second tranche of salary arrears for workers, pensioners, and next of kin of the defunct Anambra State Water Corporation and the Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency. This amount, allegedly approved to clear arrears owed by the Peter Obi administration, was made public by the Anambra State New Media Office on X (formerly Twitter) on a Friday, coinciding with Obi's denial of borrowing from banks on Arise Television. The document, dated May 24, 2025, was signed by then Head of Service, Dame Theodora Okwy Igwegbe, and addressed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The post was pointedly captioned, “PART 3: EVIDENCE THAT LYING IS IN PETER OBI’S DNA,” claiming the Soludo administration was rectifying Obi's unpaid entitlements. The N363 million payment is part of a settlement reached on February 6, 2024, with the second tranche due for disbursement in 2026 via the State Government Payroll System.

Further escalating the financial debate, Governor Charles Soludo's administration released loan records claiming Obi's government incurred eight external loans totaling $123.7 million between 2007 and 2013, with an outstanding balance of $92.35 million. Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, while acknowledging Obi's performance as governor, clarified that the scrutiny aimed to clarify financial records, particularly disputing Obi's claim of leaving N12.13 billion in an ecological fund account, for which the state found no bank evidence. Even Abia State Governor Alex Otti weighed in, affirming his 2020 statement that Obi demonstrated prudence in converting $155 million from naira to dollars to preserve its value during his governorship.

Peter Obi has vehemently refuted all allegations of outstanding debt or unpaid entitlements. During an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time, he categorically stated, “I, Mr Peter Obi, didn’t approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State in the eight years I was in government.” He insisted that on his last day in office, he owed no scheduled salaries, gratuities, or pensions, nor any certified and verified contractors. Regarding the “external loans,” Obi explained these were not personal borrowings but concessionary development support obtained by the federal government and on-lent to qualified states like Anambra, payable over 25-35 years with minimal or no interest. He noted that a substantial part of these facilities was not drawn down during his tenure. He further asserted that he left over $150 million in the state treasury, invested in various bonds, generating about $10 million annually, which he argued could easily offset any alleged debt. He estimated these savings could now be $335 million if untouched. Obi also presented his handover note to the TV anchor, urging verification with the World Bank and commercial banks, and cited former DMO Director-General Abraham Nwankwo's alleged commendation for not borrowing. He clarified that workers of the Water Corporation were not on the state government's payroll but belonged to an agency.

Beyond the financial disputes, Peter Obi is articulating his vision for the 2027 presidential election. He has vowed stringent measures against electoral fraud, stating, “whoever rigs elections will be in jail. Even for one vote, you will be in jail.” He pledged an administration that would not harass opposition parties, but rather involve them in critical national decisions, including foreign trips. Obi criticized what he described as restrictions on his campaign activities in some states, citing an incident in Benue State where his convoy was allegedly blocked. He recalled his own actions as governor, where he provided support and accommodation for opposition politicians campaigning against him, expecting current governors to reciprocate such democratic gestures. Despite these political challenges, he also expressed personal safety concerns ahead of the elections.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi is also dealing with organizational challenges within his political movement. He publicly faulted the OK Movement (Obi-Kwankwaso Movement), an independent support group, for creating a 59-member presidential campaign council (PCC) without his approval or the NDC leadership's endorsement. Obi emphasized that support groups must operate under the party's directives and not usurp the role of a political party. He stressed that actions by the OK Movement, named after Obi and Kwankwaso, must have the express approval of both individuals. The NDC leadership has disowned the OK Movement's PCC, warning that such actions could destabilize the party, while the support group insists on its right to independent organizational functions.