Anambra Revives 20-Year-Old Salary Arrears Dispute, Challenges Obi To Quit Presidential race

A 20-year-old memorandum from Peter Obi’s early days as Anambra State governor has reignited a dispute over his financial legacy. The state government has released the letter, dated April 25, 2006, and signed by his Chief of Staff, Chuks Iloegbunam, to challenge Obi’s assertion that he left office without financial liabilities. The document claims that Obi failed to pay workers of the Anambra State Water Corporation, whose monthly wage bill was over N15 million, since February 2006.

The state government has used this to question whether Obi should withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if his claims are disproved. The state has also identified eight external loans associated with Obi’s administration, totaling N127.4 billion. This new evidence adds to the ongoing debate about the financial state of Anambra during Obi’s tenure and his commitment to resolving outstanding salary payments.