African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has expressed reconsideration of claims made in defense of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi's debt record. Okonkwo, who served as Obi's campaign spokesperson in 2023, made these remarks during a TVC's Sunday Politics appearance. He previously assured Nigerians that Obi left Anambra without outstanding loans, salaries, pensions, or gratuities. However, Okonkwo now acknowledges having information that challenges some of those assertions.
The Anambra State Government recently released debt records and documents concerning financial obligations linked to previous administrations. According to the state, eight external facilities associated with projects undertaken during Obi's tenure had a combined contracted value of $123.77 million. As of June 30, 2026, $92.35 million remained outstanding, based on figures from the Debt Management Office. This disclosure has sparked controversy over Obi's debt record.
Okonkwo stated that he was misled about Obi's debt record and can no longer repeat his earlier defense without qualification. He also revisited his previous defense of Obi's family against allegations concerning the cost of a wristwatch reportedly worn by President Bola Tinubu's son. Okonkwo questioned whether he could make the same categorical claims today, hinting at a more nuanced approach in future discussions.
Obi has rejected the government's characterization of the external facilities as loans he personally borrowed. He maintains that he neither approached financial institutions to borrow nor issued bonds on behalf of Anambra during his tenure. The government has also released documents concerning salary arrears involving workers and pensioners of the defunct Anambra State Water Corporation and other agencies.
One document details a settlement involving N363.381 million scheduled as a second tranche of payments. The emerging information has significant implications for Obi's legacy and Okonkwo's continued defense of his former principal. Okonkwo's comments suggest that he is reevaluating his stance on Obi's debt record in light of new information.
Okonkwo is now associated with the ADC presidential campaign of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. His comments may have implications for the 2027 presidential campaign, where he hinted that it would be a "cross-examination" of his previous claims. This development may also affect the dynamics of the ADC campaign and its approach to issues of governance and accountability.
The controversy surrounding Obi's debt record and Okonkwo's reconsideration of his claims highlight the complexities of Nigerian politics and the challenges of evaluating legacy and accountability. As politicians and parties prepare for future elections, the debate over Obi's tenure and debt record is likely to continue, with implications for the country's governance and electoral landscape.
Key points
- Kenneth Okonkwo reconsidered claims made in defense of Peter Obi's debt record due to recent disclosures by the Anambra State Government.
- The Anambra State Government released debt records showing $92.35 million outstanding as of June 30, 2026, from eight external facilities associated with projects undertaken during Obi's tenure.
- Okonkwo's comments may have implications for the 2027 presidential campaign and the dynamics of the ADC campaign.
