Obi rejects $123.77m Anambra debt claim, challenges Soludo govt’s figures

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has rejected claims that his administration left the state with external loans totalling $123.77 million, saying the figure includes different categories of development financing.

The Anambra State Government had said eight external loan facilities linked to projects undertaken during Obi’s tenure between 2007 and 2013 had a combined value of $123.77 million, with $92.35 million outstanding as of June 30, 2026.

Obi, in a statement issued on Thursday, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), said he had remained silent over the controversy while mourning the death of his elder brother and friend, Chief Okey Ezeibe.

He said he had no disagreement with Governor Chukwuma Soludo and was not seeking to contest for the governorship of any state.

“I wish to assure the public that I have no disagreement with my dear elder brother, Governor Soludo, or with any governor in Nigeria,” Obi said.

He urged politicians to focus on the challenges facing Nigerians and allow candidates to campaign freely in states controlled by other political parties.

Addressing the debt controversy, Obi said he did not approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue a bond on behalf of Anambra State while he was governor.

He cited former Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Abraham Nwankwo, who, according to Obi, had declared at his farewell ceremony that Obi was the only governor who did not approach the DMO for a loan facility during Nwankwo’s 10-year tenure.

Obi also said he left office on March 17, 2014, without unpaid salaries, pensions or gratuities, and without outstanding payments to contractors or suppliers whose completed work had been verified and certified.