The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has urged Peter Obi, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race. This call follows recent financial disclosures from the Anambra State Government regarding Obi's tenure as governor. According to the APC PCC, official figures have dismantled Obi's claims of fiscal prudence and a debt-free administration.
Records from the Anambra State Government reveal that Obi spent approximately $4.05 billion (N5.4 trillion) during his eight-year tenure and contracted $123.77 million in external loans across eight different credit facilities. The APC PCC stated that Obi's persona has been deconstructed after disclosures by the Anambra State Government, which responded to Obi's challenge to verify his record.
The council noted that as of Obi's departure from office on March 17, 2014, the external borrowings—tied to projects in erosion control, healthcare, malaria eradication, and education—remained active, requiring servicing by subsequent administrations. “Borrowing is not injudicious if used for development,” the APC PCC stated. However, they criticized Obi for claiming to be austere and leaving the state with a clean bill of health.
The APC PCC alleged that despite the expenditure and loan facilities, Obi's administration failed to meet basic obligations, including civil service wage payments. An internal memorandum dated April 25, 2006, from Obi's former Chief of Staff, Chuks Ileogbunam, highlighted appeals made to the former governor regarding unpaid staff at the state’s Water Corporation.
The memorandum revealed Ileogbunam’s plea to Obi to address the issue of unpaid staff, citing the governor's desire to achieve a better future for the children of the officials. The APC council asserted that Obi had previously committed to stepping down during his governorship if salary arrears occurred, a promise they claim was repeatedly breached.
The APC PCC advised Obi to “purge himself of his lies and seek the forgiveness of the Anambra people.” They concluded that Obi's moral standing in the upcoming election cycle has been compromised. The council stated that if Obi has any honour, he must resign from the 2027 presidential race forthwith, in keeping with his promise to end his run if it is proven that his administration left behind liabilities in Anambra.
The APC PCC spokesman, Dele Alake, stated that the facade of falsehood built around Peter Obi has now been torn to shreds. The council's statement read that Obi is an irredeemable liar, a mediocre governor, unfit for leadership anywhere. This development has sparked a new wave of debate about Obi's suitability for the presidency.
Key points
- APC PCC calls for Peter Obi's resignation over alleged falsification of Anambra records.
- Peter Obi spent $4.05 billion during his eight-year tenure as Anambra governor.
- Obi's administration failed to meet basic obligations, including civil service wage payments.
