Anambra govt asks Obi to quit 2027 race, cites salary arrears document

The Anambra State Government has renewed its challenge to former governor Peter Obi over his administration’s financial record, releasing a document it says supports its claim that salary arrears existed during his tenure.

The state government asked when Obi would withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, referring to his earlier statement that he would stop campaigning if evidence established that his administration left unpaid obligations.

The latest claim was made through the state’s New Media Office.

The government published a letter dated April 25, 2006, which it said was signed by Chuks Iloegbunam, then Chief of Staff to Obi.

The letter appealed for payment of salary arrears allegedly owed to employees of the Anambra State Water Corporation and stated that workers had last received salaries in February.

Punch reported that it could not independently confirm the authenticity of the letter at the time of publication and was seeking a response from Iloegbunam.

The document is the latest development in a wider dispute between Obi and the Anambra State Government over the state’s financial position when he left office in 2014.

The state government has previously alleged that Obi’s administration left outstanding external loans and salary, pension and gratuity obligations.

It says the outstanding balance on eight external borrowings associated with projects during Obi’s tenure was about N127.4 billion as of June 30, 2026.

Obi disputes the government’s account.

He has said his administration cleared more than N35 billion in historical arrears and left office without outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities or certified obligations to contractors.

Obi’s media team has said former officials from his administration are preparing responses to the claims raised by the state government.