The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has insisted that he did not borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State during his eight years as governor.
Obi made the clarification while appearing on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Thursday, amid a dispute with the Anambra State Government over claims that his administration left behind debts and other financial liabilities.
The former governor said he never approached any bank or financial institution to obtain a loan or issue bonds on behalf of the state throughout his tenure.
“Let me categorically say again, I, Mr Peter Obi, didn’t approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State in the eight years I was in government,” he said.
Obi also maintained that he left office without outstanding salaries, gratuities or pensions owed by the state government.
“On the day I left office, I was not owing any salary, gratuity or pension that was scheduled to be paid by the government.
“We are not owing any contractor or supplier who has executed his job, certified and verified, not one. And that is the way I left,” he said.
His comments followed recent claims by the Anambra State Government that loans linked to his administration remain outstanding and are still being serviced by the state. The state has said eight external borrowing facilities associated with Obi’s tenure had an outstanding balance of about $92.35 million as of June 30, 2026.
READ ALSO: UNGA81: Nigeria Calls for Urgent Global Action to Tackle Sickle Cell Disease
Obi, however, has rejected the characterisation of the funds as loans obtained by his administration, arguing that some of the facilities involved concessionary support through Federal Government-backed programmes.
He specifically cited the State Education Programme Investment Project (SEPIP), saying the funding involved World Bank support and that significant drawdowns occurred after he had left office.
The former governor has continued to maintain that he handed over Anambra State in a strong financial position and without unpaid obligations to workers or contractors whose projects had been completed, certified and verified.
