Obi challenges Anambra govt: Prove I left debt, I’ll quit campaign

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that his administration left behind debts and financial obligations after leaving office as governor of Anambra State.

Obi made this known via a statement on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in reaction to claims by the Anambra State Government that his administration inherited debts, including a N2 billion ecological loan, contractor liabilities, and unpaid salaries, gratuities and pensions.

The Anambra State Government had claimed that Governor Charles Soludo’s administration is still repaying loans and other debts incurred by previous administrations, including those of Obi and former Governor Willie Obiano.

The former governor said his administration cleared outstanding gratuities and arrears accumulated over several years, amounting to more than N35 billion, before handing over power.

Obi added that at the end of his tenure, the state had no outstanding obligations to workers, pensioners or contractors whose projects had been completed and certified.

“We systematically liquidated historical gratuities and arrears dating back several years, amounting to over N35 billion. At the point of handover, the state owed nothing in salaries, gratuities, or pensions, nor did we owe anything to any contractor for projects duly executed and certified,” Obi noted.

He also addressed the controversy surrounding the N2 billion ecological fund meant for the Oko/Umuchiana erosion crisis, explaining that the money was released shortly before the end of his administration.

The NDC candidate said he declined pressure to spend the funds before leaving office because the money was tied to a specific project and government remained a continuous process.

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Obi said the fund was left untouched for the incoming administration, with more than N2.13 billion remaining in the designated First Bank account.

Obi challenged anyone with evidence contradicting his claims to come forward, saying he would abandon his political campaign if such allegations could be proven.

The former governor said: “The N2 billion ecological fund in question was released barely three months before the end of my tenure for the Oko/Umuchiana erosion crisis. Despite pressure to spend the money, I refused, insisting that it should be left for my 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.

“It is important to stress that funds tied to specific projects or set aside for particular purposes were not even included in the over N75 billion in savings we left behind.

“If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning.”