The Anambra State Government has publicly called on Peter Obi, the New Democratic Congress (NCD) presidential candidate, to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, citing two unfulfilled pledges he made during and after his tenure as governor of the state. The government, through its New Media Office, posted the challenge on its official X account @AnambraNewMedia on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, asking directly: "When will Peter Obi quit presidential campaign?"
Two Broken Pledges Cited by Anambra Government
The state government reminded the public that Obi had made two firm commitments at different points: first, that he would exit the presidential race if anyone could prove he left Anambra in debt; and second, that he would resign as governor if workers were not paid as and when due.
"He vowed to quit the presidential race if proven he left Anambra in debt. As governor, he vowed to resign if workers weren't paid on time. He broke both. He left office in 2014 with heavier arrears," the government's post read.
To substantiate its claim on the salary issue, the government attached a letter dated April 25, 2006, which it says was signed by Chuks Iloegbunam, who served as Obi's Chief of Staff at the time. The letter, titled "GUBERNATORIAL PREROGATIVE," made a direct appeal to Obi to clear outstanding salary arrears owed to workers of the Anambra State Water Corporation.
Letter Reveals Salary Crisis Within Weeks of Obi Taking Office
The letter revealed that the Water Corporation's monthly salary bill stood at about N15 million and that workers had not received pay since February of that year. Obi was sworn in on March 17, 2006, meaning the letter was written when he had been in office for roughly five weeks.
Iloegbunam wrote: "Your Excellency, Water Corporation workers were last paid in February. Please rectify this anomaly so that you can forge ahead with the good work you are doing."
The letter also explicitly referenced Obi's own campaign manifesto, which contained a pledge that the governor would resign "if there is any case where workers are not paid as and when due."
In a follow-up post, the state government added: "Peter Obi's former Chief of Staff, Iloegbunam berated him."
APC Urges Peter Obi to Resign from 2027 Race
Earlier, Legit.ng also reported that APC presidential campaign spokesman Dele Alake challenged Obi's claim that he left Anambra State debt-free after eight years in office.
The Anambra State Government disclosed that Obi's administration spent about $4.05 billion and contracted $123.77 million in external loans during his tenure.
A 2006 memo from Obi's own Chief of Staff revealed that Water Corporation workers went unpaid just two months into his governorship.
