Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential hopeful Peter Obi has defended his record on asset declaration, state savings and the allegations linked to the Pandora Papers, insisting he complied with Nigerian law while in office.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Obi said he declared all his assets in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom before assuming office as governor in 2006. According to him, the Code of Conduct Bureau investigated his declarations and found no wrongdoing. He also dismissed suggestions that he concealed assets or violated public office rules.
Addressing questions about Anambra State’s finances, Obi reiterated that he left office in 2014 with $150 million in state savings and about ₦36 billion in local currency across three banks. He argued that few governors could point to similar savings after completing their tenure, maintaining that prudent financial management allowed his administration to fund infrastructure projects without relying heavily on borrowing.
The former governor also rejected allegations of a conflict of interest regarding his past relationship with Fidelity Bank, saying his business interests were properly handled before taking office. On claims made by his successor, Willie Obiano, that the state inherited significant liabilities, Obi insisted his administration left behind substantial cash reserves and valuable investments despite the reported debts.
During the interview, Obi also touched on national politics, saying President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to retire in peace, while stressing that his own focus is on presenting ideas he believes can unite Nigeria and improve governance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The interview quickly generated mixed reactions online. Supporters praised Obi’s willingness to publicly defend his record and pointed to his claims of fiscal discipline as evidence of good governance. Critics, however, questioned aspects of his administration, including infrastructure development during his tenure, and argued that savings alone should not be the only measure of performance.
The exchange has once again placed Obi’s years as Anambra governor under the spotlight as political conversations ahead of the 2027 general election continue to intensify.
