Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has challenged Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi to quit the 2027 presidential race if the debt allegations against his administration in Anambra State are proven.
Onanuga made the challenge on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, following fresh claims by the Anambra State Government about financial liabilities allegedly linked to Obi’s tenure as governor.
Obi had earlier rejected claims that his administration left behind debts, unpaid salaries, pensions, gratuities or contractor liabilities when he left office in 2014.
He also challenged anyone to prove otherwise, saying, “If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning.”
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However, the Anambra State Government subsequently disputed Obi’s claims, alleging that outstanding liabilities from his administration included arrears involving retired teachers and workers of the Water Corporation.
Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Law Mefor, said the government’s records showed that Obi’s administration verified and certified 16 months of salary arrears for primary school teachers but paid only five months.
He also alleged that salary arrears involving Water Corporation workers were eventually settled under the Soludo administration.
The state government also disputed Obi’s account of external loans and the ecological fund he said he left behind, saying records showed outstanding loans associated with projects approved during his administration.
Reacting to the renewed controversy, Onanuga said Obi had made a commitment to end his presidential campaign if his claim of leaving Anambra without outstanding obligations was disproved.
“The ball is back in his court,” Onanuga said, challenging the NDC candidate to honour the pledge.
