Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress, has altered his stance on the debt record of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. Okonkwo, who served as Obi's spokesman during the 2023 presidential campaign, initially defended Obi against claims that his administration left behind debts and financial obligations. However, he now acknowledges being misled by previous information.
Okonkwo made this revelation on a television program, stating that he is prepared to change his position when confronted with fresh facts. He recalled defending Obi's administration, claiming that there were no outstanding debts, salaries, pensions, or gratuities. Okonkwo emphasized that he is not rigid in his views and is willing to accept new information.
The Anambra State Government recently disclosed that Obi's administration obtained eight loans, with a combined contracted value of $123.77m and an outstanding amount of $92.35m as of June 30, 2026. Additionally, the state government claimed that workers at the state-owned water corporation were owed salaries and arrears. These revelations have led Okonkwo to reconsider his previous stance.
Obi has disputed the Anambra State Government's claims, stating that the $123.77m figure combines different categories of multilateral development financing. He asserts that the state's external debt was approximately $30m when he left office in March 2014, citing figures from the Debt Management Office. This disagreement has sparked an ongoing dispute between Obi and the Anambra State Government.
Okonkwo's change in stance has significant implications for the upcoming 2027 election. As spokesman for the presidential campaign council of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Okonkwo will likely scrutinize Obi's record more critically. He has hinted that his role in examining Obi's record will shift from a defense to a more critical evaluation.
Okonkwo also referenced his previous defense of Obi's family against claims concerning the cost of a wristwatch allegedly worn by a son of President Bola Tinubu. He had claimed that no member of Obi's family could afford such a luxury, but now seems uncertain about making similar assertions.
The development highlights the complexities of Nigeria's political landscape, with key figures reassessing their positions and alliances in the lead-up to the 2027 election. Okonkwo's shift in stance underscores the importance of verifying information and the dynamic nature of political discourse in Nigeria.
Key points
- Kenneth Okonkwo changes position on Peter Obi's Anambra debt record.
- Okonkwo cites new information from the Anambra State Government.
- The development has implications for the 2027 election.
