Anambra State challenges Peter Obi over fiscal record and 2027 bid

A political dispute has intensified between former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and the current Anambra State Government regarding his fiscal record. The state government has challenged Obi to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, alleging he breached campaign promises by leaving the state with debt and unpaid worker salaries.

Disclosures from the state government claim Obi’s administration spent approximately $4.05 billion (N5.4 trillion) and contracted $123.77 million in external loans for sectors such as healthcare and education. This contradicts Obi’s long-standing claim that he left the state without a debt burden. To support these claims, the state released a 2006 memo from Obi’s former Chief of Staff, Chuks Ileogbunam, regarding unpaid salaries for Water Corporation workers.

In response to the political friction, Minister of Works David Umahi has urged leaders in the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid rather than Obi, arguing that the current administration has provided more infrastructure and inclusion for the region. Meanwhile, supporters of Obi have criticized government officials, including Minister Dele Alake, for prioritizing political attacks over addressing recent mining fatalities in Nigeria.