Presidency challenges Obi to quit 2027 race over Anambra debt claims

The Presidency has challenged the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to honour his earlier pledge to withdraw from the 2027 presidential contest if claims that he left Anambra State with outstanding debts are established.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued the challenge in a post on X on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, amid the ongoing dispute between Obi and the Anambra State Government over the state’s financial records during his tenure as governor.

Obi had consistently maintained that he handed over Anambra State without any debt burden and had vowed to quit the presidential race if evidence emerged proving otherwise.

Reacting to the controversy, Onanuga said the former governor’s claims had been challenged by figures presented by the state government, which allegedly showed that his administration left behind outstanding obligations.

The liabilities include unpaid commitments to Water Corporation workers, teachers, pensioners and retirees, as well as loans obtained during Obi’s administration.

Onanuga wrote: “Peter Obi claimed he left Anambra with a clean slate of debt and even threatened to quit the presidential race if his claims were proven otherwise.

“The ball is back in his court. Will he follow through on his threat by quitting the race?”

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

The development followed a fresh war of words between Obi and the Anambra State Government over the state’s financial records.

Obi had earlier defended his record in office, stating that his administration cleared more than N35 billion in inherited salary, pension and gratuity arrears while leaving no unpaid obligations to workers, pensioners or contractors.

He also said funds exceeding N2.13 billion meant for the Oko/Umuchiana erosion control project remained untouched in a dedicated account at the end of his tenure, challenging critics to provide evidence to the contrary.

However, the Anambra State Government disputed Obi’s claims, insisting that available records showed outstanding liabilities from his administration and raising questions over the handling of funds meant for ecological projects.