APC accuses Peter Obi of hiding Anambra’s debt burden

Abdullateef Fowewe

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has accused former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, of misrepresenting the state’s financial record during his eight-year tenure.

In a statement issued on Monday, the council’s spokesman, Dele Alake, alleged that Obi’s claim that he left Anambra without debt was contradicted by disclosures from the state government.

According to Alake, Obi’s administration spent approximately $4.05 billion, equivalent to about N5.4 trillion, and contracted $123.77 million in external loans.

The statement said eight external borrowings for malaria control, erosion management, education and healthcare were outstanding when Obi left office on March 17, 2014.

It added that subsequent administrations, including that of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, had continued to service the loans.

“Borrowing is not injudicious if used for development,” Alake said, but argued that the reported borrowings contradicted Obi’s public image as a financially prudent leader who left Anambra with a “clean bill of health.”

The APC campaign spokesman also accused the former governor of failing to pay workers’ salaries in some state ministries.

He cited a 2006 memo allegedly written by Obi’s then Chief of Staff, Chuks Ileogbunam, appealing for the payment of N15 million in monthly salaries owed to Water Corporation workers.

“Officials of the Water Corporation also have children who are looking to your compassionate leadership,” the memo reportedly stated.

Alake further alleged that Obi had promised during his campaign to resign as governor if any state worker was not paid as and when due, but failed to honour the pledge.

The council called on Obi to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, saying he should do so in line with his reported promise to quit if it was proven that his administration left liabilities in Anambra.