Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has said he was misled when he previously defended former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi against claims that his administration left debts and other financial obligations behind.
Okonkwo, who served as Obi’s spokesman during the 2023 presidential campaign, said he could no longer repeat some of the claims he made in defence of the former governor after recent disclosures by the Anambra State Government.
Speaking during a television programme, Okonkwo said he was prepared to change his position whenever fresh facts emerged.
He recalled that during the 2023 presidential campaign, he told Nigerians that Obi did not leave any debt, unpaid salaries, pensions or gratuities when he left office.
However, Okonkwo said the Anambra State Government had subsequently claimed that Obi’s administration obtained eight loans and that workers at the state owned water corporation were owed salaries and arrears.
He said he could no longer maintain his previous position because of the information that had emerged.
The Anambra State Government has claimed that eight external financing facilities associated with projects undertaken during Obi’s tenure had a combined contracted value of $123.77 million, with $92.35 million outstanding as of June 30, 2026.
Obi has rejected the description of the facilities as debts left behind by his administration. He has maintained that he did not borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra during his eight years as governor and said he left office without outstanding salaries, pensions or certified contractor payments.
Okonkwo said his approach to Obi would also be different ahead of the 2027 election, describing his role in 2023 as supporting Obi and his current role as scrutinising his political record.
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