Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has firmly rejected allegations made by the Anambra State Government regarding outstanding debts from his tenure as governor. The claims, which include a ₦2 billion ecological loan and liabilities related to contractors, have been labeled by Obi as "completely false."

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Obi emphasized that his administration had successfully cleared over ₦35 billion in historical gratuities and arrears before handing over the state without any outstanding obligations related to salaries, pensions, or gratuities. He stated, "We systematically liquidated historical gratuities and arrears dating back several years, amounting to over ₦35 billion."

Obi's response comes in the wake of statements from Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who claimed that the current administration is still managing debts incurred by previous governments, including those from Obi's administration and that of former Governor Willie Obiano. The Anambra State Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, further noted that while the Soludo administration has not taken on new commercial loans since assuming office, it continues to service debts inherited from past administrations. Okafor highlighted that the government has managed to reduce the state’s debt burden by more than 83 percent.

One of the key points of contention is the alleged ₦2 billion ecological fund, which Obi clarified was released shortly before he left office to address the Oko/Umuchiana erosion crisis. He insisted that despite pressure to utilize the funds, he chose to leave them untouched for his successor, maintaining that government operations are a continuum. Obi stated, "The ₦2 billion ecological fund in question was released barely three months before the end of my tenure for the Oko/Umuchiana erosion crisis."

He detailed that the funds remained intact in a First Bank account, with a balance exceeding ₦2.13 billion at the time of his departure. Obi stressed that this amount was not included in the total savings of over ₦75 billion that he claims to have left for the state.

In a bold challenge to the current administration, Obi invited the Anambra State Government or anyone else to present evidence that contradicts his assertions. He stated, "If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning."

This ongoing dispute highlights the political tensions in Anambra State as the 2027 election approaches, with both sides presenting contrasting narratives regarding the financial legacy of Obi's administration.