Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has challenged the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to prove claims that he left the state with outstanding debts when he handed over power in 2014.
Obi, who is campaigning for the 2027 presidential election under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, issued the challenge after Anambra State Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, alleged that the state government was still repaying loans and other obligations incurred by previous administrations.
The commissioner also claimed that Obi failed to repay about N2.1 billion in ecological funds before leaving office...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Responding to the allegations, Obi described the claims as false and maintained that his administration left Anambra without outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities or payments owed to contractors for completed and certified projects.
Obi said his administration had also cleared historical salary and pension arrears amounting to more than N35 billion. He maintained that all financial obligations due at the time of his departure had been settled.
On the disputed ecological fund, Obi said his administration received the money from the Federal Government roughly three months before he left office. According to him, the funds were kept intact because they were intended for addressing the Oko and Umuchiana erosion crisis.
He said the money was left for the incoming administration to use for the purpose for which it was allocated rather than being spent before the change of government.
Obi further claimed that the state had more than N75 billion in savings at the time he handed over power, excluding funds reserved for specific projects and purposes.
The former governor has now challenged the Soludo administration to provide evidence showing that he left the state indebted. He said he would stop his 2027 presidential campaign if the allegation could be established.
The exchange has brought renewed attention to the financial records of previous administrations in Anambra as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election intensify.
The claims and counterclaims remain matters of public debate, with Obi defending his record in office while the allegation from the state government has prompted him to demand evidence supporting the accusation.
