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Peter Obi challenged to quit 2027 race over Anambra debt dispute
A political dispute has intensified between Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, and the Anambra State Government regarding the financial state of the state when Obi left office in 2014.
Anambra State officials claim that Obi's administration left behind $123 million in external debt, with approximately $92.35 million still outstanding as of June 2026. The state also alleges outstanding liabilities including unpaid salaries for Water Corporation workers, teachers' entitlements, and pensions.
In response, Peter Obi has released a handover note dated March 17, 2024, which he asserts shows a net positive balance of over N86 billion. Obi maintains he left the state without any outstanding debt, salary, or pension obligations, noting that his administration cleared over N35 billion in historical arrears.
The Nigerian Presidency has challenged Obi to honor his previous pledge to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if evidence proves his claims of a debt-free handover are false.
Entities
Anambra State Government · Bayo Onanuga · Bola Tinubu · Chukwuma Soludo · Nigeria Democratic Congress · Peter Obi
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] The state government reports that Obi's administration left unpaid salaries, pensions, and gratuities. nationalaccordnewspaper.com · dailyreport.ng · theglittersonline.com.ng · chronicle.ng · thenews-chronicle.com · +1 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Obi vowed to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if evidence proves he left Anambra with debt. nationalaccordnewspaper.com · dailyreport.ng · theglittersonline.com.ng · www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng · chronicle.ng · +2 more
- [DISPUTED] The Anambra State Government claims the administration of Peter Obi left $123 million in external debt. nationalaccordnewspaper.com · www.sagagist.com.ng · www.gistmania.com · www.naijanews.com
- [DISPUTED] Peter Obi maintains that he left Anambra State with no debt upon completing his tenure. nationalaccordnewspaper.com · www.sagagist.com.ng · dailyreport.ng · theglittersonline.com.ng · www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng · +5 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] Peter Obi claims his administration cleared more than N35bn in historical gratuities and arrears. www.sagagist.com.ng · dailyreport.ng · theglittersonline.com.ng · chronicle.ng · dailytrust.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Peter Obi released a handover note showing a net positive balance of over N86 billion for Anambra State. www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng · www.naijanews.com · tribuneonlineng.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Soludo administration has cleared approximately N22 billion in inherited gratuity arrears. dailyreport.ng · www.sagagist.com.ng
- [DISPUTED] The Anambra State Government reports that $92.35 million in external loans remain outstanding as of June 30, 2026. dailyreport.ng · www.gistmania.com · www.naijanews.com