Obi Denies Anambra Debt Claims, Defends Financial Record

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former governor of Anambra, rejected claims made by the state Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, regarding ongoing loan servicing from his administration. Obi stated that upon leaving office in 2014, he had settled all dues owed to workers, pensioners, suppliers, and contractors.

He emphasized that he left no outstanding debts and specifically mentioned a balance of N2.1 billion in an ecological fund account at First Bank, designated for an erosion-control project. Obi argued that this fund was not available for general spending and was earmarked for a specific purpose.

He challenged anyone disputing his account to check the bank records, asserting that if any contrary evidence was found, he would cease his political campaigning. This exchange revives a long-standing financial dispute regarding the transition from Obi to his successor, Willie Obiano, who previously claimed to have inherited significant liabilities from Obi's administration.