The Anambra State Government has urged voters across the state to reject Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, in the upcoming 2027 general election. In a strongly worded statement published on its official social media account, the state government accused Obi of working to destroy the All Progressives Grand Alliance, the party that brought him to power. The statement claimed Obi had spent years trying to pull down the party.
The Anambra State Government's statement, managed by the office of the New Media to Governor Charles Soludo, claimed that Obi had one mission since 2014: to destroy the party that made him. The post urged voters to protect their political home and resist the NDC candidate. This move highlights the growing split between Governor Soludo's administration and Obi. Soludo publicly declared his support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls, citing a long-standing friendship.
Governor Soludo's backing of President Tinubu and APGA's stance on the 2027 election has further strained relations with Obi. APGA officially endorsed President Tinubu as its preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential race in July. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, explained that the decision was reached after extensive consultations within the party's National Executive Committee. The committee concluded that supporting Tinubu's second term was in the best interest of the nation.
The political tension between Obi and the current Anambra leadership also follows a recent public disagreement over financial liabilities linked to projects executed during Obi's time as governor. The state government raised concerns over legacy financial obligations, while Obi dismissed the claims. Obi explained that the figures referred to World Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development facilities negotiated by the federal government.
Obi argued that combining approved amounts with drawn funds and unspent balances under a single label was an incorrect application of public accounting. He added that he never personally approached financial institutions for state loans. The disagreement over state finances has contributed to the current political clash between Obi and the Anambra State Government.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Peter Obi nor his media team has issued a response to the state government's call for voters to reject his presidential bid. The Anambra State Government's move is seen as a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 general election. The state's voters will have to make a decision on whether to support Obi or heed the government's call.
The recent developments have sparked concerns about the potential impact on the 2027 election. The Anambra State Government's urging of voters to reject Obi has raised questions about the role of politics in the state. The situation will continue to be monitored as the election approaches.
Key points
- The Anambra State Government has urged voters to reject Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
- The state government accused Obi of working to destroy the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
- Governor Soludo has publicly declared his support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
