Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has rejected claims that his administration left outstanding debts for the Anambra State Government to repay after he left office in 2014.
Obi, who governed Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, said he settled all financial obligations that were due before handing over to his successor, Willie Obiano.
He made the clarification in a video from the Voice of Ndi Anambra podcast circulated on Monday, following comments by Anambra State Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, that the state was still servicing loans obtained during the administrations of Obi and Obiano.
Responding to the claim, Obi said he did not leave behind unpaid salaries, pensions or gratuities owed by the state.
He also insisted that contractors and suppliers whose claims had been properly processed were paid before he left office.
“As at the day I left office, I was not owing any salary, pension, or gratuity that Anambra State Government is supposed to pay,” Obi said.
He further stated that he had not left any unpaid contractor whose work had been completed and properly documented, adding that he paid what was due before handing over power.
Obi also addressed the controversy surrounding an ecological fund. According to him, about N2.1 billion was sitting in a dedicated account at First Bank when he left office.
He said the money had been released by the Federal Government for a specific erosion-control project and was deliberately left untouched for the incoming administration to use for its intended purpose.
However, the debt issue remains disputed. According to reports Anambra government’s said the state is still repaying loans linked to previous administrations.
Obi has maintained that his account can be verified through the relevant financial records and challenged anyone disputing his claim to produce evidence showing otherwise.
The fresh exchange comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to intensify, with Obi now seeking the presidency under the NDC.
