Peter Obi Defends Anambra's Financial Legacy Amid Debt Claims

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, addressed claims from the Anambra government regarding external debt obligations of $123.77 million, stating that his administration left behind over $150 million in funds. During an interview on Arise News on September 24, 2026, Obi criticized the state's financial accounting as misleading.

He noted that the funds he accumulated and invested in bonds generated an annual return of approximately $10 million. Obi argued that even if the state's debt figure were accurate, the investments he left would cover the liabilities while maintaining the principal.

He clarified that the financing facilities cited by the Anambra government were not loans he personally arranged but rather came through multilateral programs, including support from the World Bank. Obi estimated Anambra's actual external debt when he left office to be around $30 million and stated he handed over without any unpaid salaries, pensions, or debts owed to contractors.