Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has declared that he will halt his 2027 presidential campaign if any discrepancies are found in the financial records of the First Bank account he handed over when leaving office as Anambra State Governor.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Context of the Controversy

The challenge comes in response to statements from the current administration of Governor Charles Soludo. According to the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, who spoke on Sunday via the state’s New Media team podcast (Ndi Anambra), the current government is still servicing legacy loans inherited from past administrations, including those of Peter Obi and Willie Obiano. While noting that Soludo’s government has avoided taking on fresh commercial bank loans, Okafor highlighted these past liabilities as part of ongoing financial commitments.

Peter Obi’s Defense

In a widely circulated video addressing a journalist, Obi vehemently maintained a clean record, stating he left office nearly 13 years ago without owing any salaries, pensions, gratuities, contractors, or suppliers.

Detailing the exact financial status upon his departure, Obi stated:

“On the day I left office… there was a balance of over 2 billion left in First Bank. It was dedicated to a project that was meant to be ongoing, and it was a contribution from the Federal Bank of Nigeria that came in about three months before I left office.”

He added that despite pressure from his team to spend the funds, he preserved them to ensure a smooth transition for his successor, emphasizing his belief in the continuity of government. Offering to make the account details public, Obi dared critics to verify his claims, firmly concluding that he would immediately step down from campaigning if any contrary evidence is uncovered.

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In a landmark ruling on Monday, September 14, 2026, the Federal High Court in Uyo sentenced nine individuals to 10 years’ imprisonment each for oil theft within Akwa Ibom territorial waters. The presiding judge, Justice Joy Ikpeme, handed down the sentences without an option of fine, stating that the prosecution had successfully proved the case against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Arraignment and Prosecution

The convicts were prosecuted by the State Department of State Services (DSS) following their initial arrest by the Nigerian Navy on February 7, 2025. The group was apprehended while actively siphoning crude oil from the ASABO-D oil wellhead located in the Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The individuals sentenced to 10 years behind bars are:

• Michael Mebawondu

• Owei Godspower Mitin

• Godspromise Amigoe

• Opuowei Siarerebo

• Gerekumo Panyan

• Newyear Orimisan

• Victor Ita

• Egbayelo Innocent Oluwatomisin

• Ayakimeze Alexander Amagbopere

Ongoing Legal Battle

This conviction marks a significant victory in the state’s fight against illegal bunkering. However, judicial proceedings are far from over, as legal sources confirm that no fewer than 21 additional suspected oil thieves are currently facing prosecution in Akwa Ibom State for similar offenses.

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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has broken his silence regarding the recent controversy surrounding his wife’s alleged ₦250 million Hermès luxury handbag, which sparked heavy online debate concerning his long-standing public image of financial prudence.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Defending Personal Enterprise and Privacy

Speaking during an interview in Washington, DC, USA, Obi clarified that his wife, Margaret, runs her own independent business and possesses her own financial resources. He maintained that he sees no issue with how she spends her money, emphasizing that her personal choices do not conflict with his handling of public resources.

“My wife has her own business and her own money, so what is my business if she buys expensive items with her money? The bags and shoes my wife wears, I don’t even know how much they cost. In fact, she is actually a bit less sophisticated now,” Obi stated.

Reflecting on Past Governance

The former Anambra State governor also reflected on his time in office, noting that he never operated an official Office of the First Lady. Furthermore, drawing a parallel to his personal lifestyle, he mentioned that while he does not celebrate his own birthday, he never restricts others from doing so.