Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC), has stated that there is no quarrel between him and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo. Obi made this statement at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu, emphasizing that his relationship with Soludo is cordial and that they have no personal disagreements. He described Soludo as his respected elder brother and revealed that he and his wife are godparents to Soludo's children.
Obi stressed that political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into personal hostility, adding that public officials should respect the offices occupied by their political opponents. He urged Nigerians to examine the records of political candidates and demand explanations on their past actions, qualifications, and policy proposals rather than allowing political contests to be reduced to personal attacks. According to him, politicians seeking public office should be prepared to account for their records and address allegations against them where evidence exists.
The NDC presidential candidate also revisited the controversy over the finances he left behind when he was governor of Anambra State. He maintained that his administration left substantial savings and that the state's financial position should be assessed through verifiable records. Obi insisted that he did not leave debts as governor in Anambra State, stressing that he left $150 million in savings and that no other governor had left dollars in the state purse.
Obi recalled an episode from his tenure as governor when former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola visited Anambra to campaign for his political opponent, Chris Ngige. He said he provided Fashola with his official convoy and accommodation and accompanied former President Obasanjo during his campaign in the state, arguing that political differences should not prevent politicians from maintaining cordial relationships.
The former governor of Anambra State charged the media practitioners to continue to interrogate the country's leadership at the federal and state levels to get the best for the country. He also called for issue-based campaigns, free and credible elections, and greater respect for democratic principles ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi emphasized that it is time for media practitioners to get involved and question politicians based on their background, qualifications, and policy proposals.
Obi expressed concern over the condition of primary healthcare facilities in rural communities, lamenting that public resources are not being prioritized for sectors that directly affect citizens. He criticized what he described as disproportionate spending on healthcare for government officials, saying that this should be addressed. According to him, the country's leadership must live up to the expectations of the people and set a good example.
In conclusion, Obi appealed to Nigerians to work together to build a better country, emphasizing that there is no other nation except Nigeria and that its success or failure will affect everyone. He urged politicians to maintain a cordial relationship and prioritize the interests of the people. KEY_POINT: Peter Obi denies any quarrel with Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo. KEY_POINT: Obi insists that he left $150 million in savings when he was governor of Anambra State. KEY_POINT: Obi calls for issue-based campaigns, free and credible elections, and greater respect for democratic principles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
