The Anambra State Government has challenged former Governor Peter Obi to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if it is established that his administration left outstanding debts and salary arrears when he handed over power in 2014.

The challenge followed the release of documents by the state government detailing what it described as outstanding financial obligations incurred during Obi’s tenure as governor between 2006 and 2014.

According to the government, Obi’s administration contracted eight external loans amounting to about $123.77 million, with an outstanding balance of $92.35 million, equivalent to approximately ₦127.37 billion as of June 30, 2026.

The loans were reportedly obtained for projects covering areas including healthcare, education, malaria control and erosion management.

The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Law Mefor, also alleged that the former governor left unpaid salary, pension and gratuity obligations involving some workers, including staff of the defunct Anambra Water Corporation and primary school teachers.

The state government said the current administration had since cleared about ₦22 billion in inherited gratuity arrears owed to retired state and local government employees and teachers, while some legacy liabilities remained.

Obi has rejected the allegations, insisting that he left office without outstanding salaries, pensions, gratuities or liabilities owed to contractors whose projects had been completed and certified.

He also said he had cleared more than ₦35 billion in historical gratuities and arrears before leaving office.

The former governor had challenged his critics to provide evidence contradicting his claims, saying he would stop campaigning for the presidency if such evidence was established.

The controversy has since escalated into a wider political dispute ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the APC Presidential Campaign Council also urging Obi to honour his earlier pledge and quit the race if the allegations are proven.