Peter Obi Challenges Claims He Left Anambra in Debt, Offers Proof and Stakes Campaign on It

# What happened Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State (2006–2013) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, publicly rejected recent claims by the Anambra State Government that his administration left behind significant unpaid debts. He issued a direct challenge: if anyone can establish that his administration left outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities, contractor liabilities or an unpaid ecological loan, he will stop campaigning.

# Obi's central claims Obi says his government systematically settled more than N35 billion in historical gratuities and arrears that predated his tenure. He insists that, at handover, the state owed nothing in salaries, gratuities or pensions and that contractors for duly executed and certified projects were fully paid. He also says his administration left more than N75 billion in savings for the successor government, excluding funds earmarked for specific projects.

On the N2 billion ecological fund, Obi says the money was released less than three months before he left office for work on the Oko/Umuchiana erosion crisis. He says he resisted pressure to spend it and deliberately left it untouched in a First Bank account (2018779464), which he says held a balance of more than N2.13 billion when handed over. He frames this as an example of leaving project-tied funds for the incoming administration because "government is a continuum."

# Demand for evidence and accountability Obi repeatedly invited the Anambra government or any other party to present documentary proof that contradicts his account. He framed the challenge as a test of verifiable records: if anyone can produce evidence that his administration mismanaged funds or left unpaid obligations, he says he will end his campaign.

# Academic records and transparency

# Political context The dispute comes amid renewed scrutiny of the fiscal position successive administrations in Anambra have inherited and managed. The debate over debts, savings and how public funds were handled has become a campaign issue as Obi pursues the presidency.

# What to look for next

• Bank confirmations or official account statements for the First Bank account Obi named, if released by legally authorized parties.

# Bottom line Obi publicly disputes claims that his administration left Anambra indebted, provides specific figures and a bank account reference for a disputed ecological fund, and sets a high-stakes condition: produce contrary evidence and he will stop campaigning. He also invited formal scrutiny of his academic credentials.