Peter Obi
Susan Abayomi
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has addressed the controversy surrounding Anambra State’s debt profile, the formation of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement’s campaign council and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Obi spoke during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where he also discussed electoral integrity and the need for political parties to have unhindered access to campaign across Nigeria.
On the Anambra debt controversy, the former governor rejected claims that his administration left the state with a $123.77 million debt burden.
The Anambra State Government had said eight external financing facilities associated with projects undertaken during Obi’s tenure had a combined contracted value of about $123.77 million, with approximately $92.35 million outstanding as of June 30, 2026.
Obi, however, maintained that he did not personally obtain loans from financial institutions or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State during his eight years as governor.
He argued that some of the financing being described as loans were concessionary development facilities supported through the Federal Government and international development institutions. He also maintained that his administration left the state in a strong financial position, including funds and investments which he said were documented in his handover records.
Obi challenged those questioning his financial record in office to examine the relevant documents and verify the figures with the institutions involved.
The former governor also said his administration left office in March 2014 without outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities or verified obligations to contractors whose projects had been completed.
The debt controversy has generated opposing claims, with the Anambra State Government releasing documents it said showed outstanding liabilities linked to facilities contracted during Obi’s administration. Obi has disputed the interpretation of those liabilities and maintained that he left the state financially sound.
Obi also distanced himself from the 59-member Presidential Campaign Council recently established by the OK Movement ahead of the 2027 election.
The OK Movement, which brings together supporters of Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, had unveiled the council to coordinate its political mobilisation.
Obi said the decision was taken without his approval, stressing that the Nigeria Democratic Congress remains the political party through which he and Kwankwaso are contesting the 2027 presidential election.
He said groups such as the OK Movement, Obidient and Kwankwasiyya should operate as support organisations rather than assume the functions of the political party.
The development has exposed a disagreement over the relationship between the NDC and the OK Movement. While NDC leaders have said support groups should work within the party’s political structure, the OK Movement has maintained that it is an independent organisation with its own structures and the right to mobilise support for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.
On electoral integrity, Obi said his administration would take a firm position against election manipulation if he becomes president.
He stated that anyone found to have rigged an election under his administration would face prosecution, regardless of the number of votes involved.
Obi also called for an environment in which political parties, including opposition parties, can campaign freely across the country without intimidation or restrictions.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Obi’s comments come amid increasing political activity and disagreements among parties and support groups over campaign structures and electoral preparations.
His remarks on the Anambra debt controversy, the OK Movement and electoral reforms are likely to remain part of the wider political debate as parties and candidates prepare for the next general election.
