NIGERIA – Peter Obi has defended his administration’s financial record in Anambra State, rejected claims that he left behind unpaid obligations, and called on governors to allow opposition candidates to campaign freely ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview with Charles on Prime Time on ARISE News, Obi addressed the controversy surrounding Anambra State’s inherited loans, political campaigning, opposition unity, and the responsibilities of government.
Obi Rejects Claims of Unpaid Obligations
The former Anambra State governor stated that he did not approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of the state during his eight years in office.
Obi maintained that when he left office in March 2014, the state government was not owing salaries, pensions, or contractors whose work had been completed, verified, and certified.
“I did not approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State.”
Addressing claims concerning the state’s outstanding loans, Obi argued that some of the facilities described as loans were concessionary development funds provided through the Federal Government and international institutions, including the World Bank.
He explained that the facilities were structured as long-term support programmes, with repayment periods extending between 25 and 35 years.
Obi Says Anambra Inherited Significant Financial Assets
Obi claimed that he left more than $150 million in dollar-denominated savings invested in various bonds when he handed over power.
According to him, the investments generated approximately $10 million annually for Anambra State.
He argued that even if the state’s alleged outstanding liabilities were accepted, the funds he left behind could have been used to settle the obligations while preserving substantial financial resources for the state.
Obi also referred to his handover documents, which he said contain details of the state’s investments, cash holdings, foreign currency assets, and supporting bank statements.
The claims regarding the financial position of Anambra State remain part of a dispute that requires examination of the relevant government records and financial documentation.
Calls for Political Candidates to Campaign Freely
The 2027 presidential candidate also appealed to governors across Nigeria to respect the democratic rights of political candidates, regardless of their party affiliation.
Obi referenced the reported obstruction of his convoy in Benue State while travelling to Yelwata, saying that political candidates should be allowed to visit states, meet voters, and present their political programmes.
He urged governors to support an open democratic environment where citizens can freely choose their preferred candidates.
“Let’s have a democratic space where everybody’s allowed to campaign.”
Obi Discusses Opposition Unity and Political Reform
During the interview, Obi expressed support for cooperation among opposition political parties in areas including free and fair elections, electoral security, and the protection of democratic institutions.
He also addressed the relationship between the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and support groups associated with the Obidient movement.
Obi stated that the NDC is the political party to which its members belong, while support groups should function in a supporting capacity rather than operate as parallel political structures.
He further said that he was committed to any arrangements that would strengthen Nigeria and improve the welfare and security of its citizens.
Obi Questions President Tinubu’s Absence from Nigeria
The former Anambra governor also commented on the controversy surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s absence from the country, raising questions about presidential presence and the communication of constitutional responsibilities during periods of national crisis.
Obi argued that Nigerians deserve to know the whereabouts of their president and stressed the importance of presidential leadership during emergencies.
The interview covered Anambra State’s financial history, democratic freedoms, opposition cooperation, and governance concerns ahead of the 2027 elections.
