2027 Elections: Peter Obi Writes Onitsha Monarch, Says ‘Future Of Ndigbo Is Bleak’, Asks South-East Leaders To Unite
2027 Elections: Peter Obi Writes Onitsha Monarch, Says ‘Future Of Ndigbo Is Bleak’, Asks South-East Leaders To Unite
The intervention comes against the backdrop of the recent war of words between Obi and the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo over the financial position allegedly inherited by the incumbent government from previous administrations.
Former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has appealed to traditional rulers, political leaders and elders in the Southeast to prioritise the collective interests of Ndigbo amid the escalating dispute over the financial records and liabilities of Anambra State.
Obi made the appeal in a letter dated September 19, 2026, addressed to the Obi of Onitsha, Anambra State.
The intervention comes against the backdrop of the recent war of words between Obi and the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo over the financial position allegedly inherited by the incumbent government from previous administrations.
The Anambra State government recently released details of outstanding loans and liabilities linked to previous administrations, including Obi’s tenure.
According to the state government, eight external loans associated with projects executed during Obi’s administration or inherited by it had a combined outstanding balance of about $92.35 million, equivalent to N127.37 billion as of June 30, 2026.
Obi has rejected the allegations, insisting that he left office without outstanding salary, pension, gratuity or contractor obligations and challenging the Soludo administration to produce documentary evidence to support its claims.
He also released his handover document showing a positive financial position for the state at the time of the transition.
In his latest letter, Obi said the controversy should not be allowed to degenerate into a political battle or become a source of permanent division among Ndigbo.
Titled “The Future of Ndigbo is Bleak,” the letter urged the traditional institution to encourage all sides to allow documentary evidence and transparency to determine the facts surrounding the controversy.
“Recent public exchanges concerning the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, my former administration, and questions surrounding the financial records and liabilities of Anambra State have become matters of public discussion,” Obi wrote.
“These issues should not be settled through political exchanges, accusations or counter-accusations. They deserve facts, documents and transparency.”
He added: “Let the records be opened. Let the books be examined. Let every legitimate question be answered with evidence.”
Obi said public office was a trust and argued that political disagreements should not be allowed to overshadow the collective interests of the Igbo people.
“I believe that public office is a trust, and history has a way of judging those who occupy positions of responsibility long after they have left them,” he said.
“Whatever differences may exist between individuals today must never become wounds that divide our people or weaken our collective future.”
The former governor said Ndigbo had for years pursued greater political relevance, economic prosperity and responsible leadership, adding that such aspirations could not be sustained through division.
“Your Majesty, Ndigbo have carried the hope of greater political relevance, economic prosperity and responsible leadership for many years,” he wrote.
“That hope cannot be sustained by division. It requires unity, credibility, accountability and the wisdom to resolve difficult matters without allowing political disagreements to become permanent divisions among our people.”
Obi further urged traditional rulers, political leaders and elders to create an atmosphere where accountability and facts could prevail over political disagreements.
“We must therefore be careful about the precedents we establish today,” he said.
“History may record the arguments between individuals, the accusations made and the responses given. But our children will ultimately live with the consequences of how we choose to handle these disagreements.”
The former governor stressed that Anambra State and the wider Igbo project belonged to everyone, regardless of political affiliation or personal differences.
“Anambra belongs to all of us. The Igbo project belongs to all of us. And the future we leave for the next generation must be greater than the disagreements of today,” he said.
He appealed for wisdom and truth, saying: “May wisdom prevail. May truth guide our actions. And may the interests of Ndigbo remain greater than any individual disagreement.”
Obi quoted the Igbo proverb, “Otu osisi anaghị eme ọhịa”, meaning “One tree does not make a forest.”
