Former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi, has dismissed speculation of a disagreement between him and his successor, Governor Chukwuma Soludo. Obi also stated that he would not seek to become governor of any state again, even if the Nigerian Constitution was amended to allow him to return to the office. He made the clarification while responding to public discussions surrounding Anambra’s debt profile and financial obligations associated with development projects implemented during his tenure.
Obi described Soludo as his “dear elder brother” and said he had no disagreement with him or any other governor in the country. He ruled out any plan to return to the governorship, stressing that his political activities should not be interpreted as an attempt to seek the position again. Obi appealed to governors to allow political candidates to campaign freely in their states, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The statement came amid a disagreement between the Anambra State Government and Obi over external borrowings associated with projects undertaken during his administration. The state government said eight external borrowing facilities linked to projects during Obi’s tenure had a combined contracted value of $123.77m, with $92.35m outstanding as of June 30, 2026. Obi rejected the description of the facilities as “debt owed by Peter Obi”, arguing that the figures represented different stages of development financing.
Obi maintained that he did not personally approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue a bond on behalf of Anambra State while serving as governor. He recalled that former DMO Director-General, Abraham Nwankwo, had praised his borrowing record at his farewell ceremony. Obi also said his administration left office without unpaid salaries, gratuities or pensions, and the state did not owe contractors or suppliers whose completed work had been verified and certified.
Obi questioned the $123.77m figure, citing DMO records which showed that Anambra’s external debt stood at about $18m when he assumed office in March 2006 and approximately $30m when he left office in March 2014. He asked how a state whose recorded external debt was about $30m when he left office could have inherited $123.77m from his administration.
Obi urged political actors to focus on the economic and social challenges confronting Nigerians rather than engage in what he described as political distractions. He explained his earlier silence, saying he had been grieving the death of his elder brother and friend, Chief Okey Ezeibe. Obi added that his commitment to Nigeria remained intact despite his decision not to seek another governorship position.
The former governor’s statement comes as Anambra State continues to grapple with its debt profile and financial obligations. Obi’s clarification on the debt figures and his relationship with Soludo is seen as an effort to set the record straight and clear his name. Key issues in the controversy include the $123.77m external borrowing figure and Obi’s claim that he left office debt-free.
Key points
- Peter Obi denies rift with Governor Chukwuma Soludo
- Obi claims he left office debt-free, with no unpaid salaries or pensions
- The former governor challenges the $123.77m external borrowing figure cited by the Anambra State Government
