Economist and financial affairs analyst Boniface Chizea has questioned whether an alleged inconsistency in Peter Obi’s account of loans linked to his tenure as Anambra State governor should be enough to warrant his withdrawal from the 2027 presidential race.
Chizea made the comment during an interview FROM 10:30 with Arise News on Sunday, September 27, 2026, amid the ongoing dispute over Anambra’s debt and the financial obligations connected to Obi’s administration.
The controversy intensified after Obi rejected the description of $123.77 million in external financing as debt he left behind, saying he did not approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue a bond on behalf of Anambra. He has also argued that the facilities involved were largely tied to multilateral development programmes.
While discussing the matter, Chizea said the possibility that Obi may have forgotten specific details should not automatically be treated as a reason for him to abandon his political ambition.
“Even if loans were taken and Mr. Obi may have had a lapse in memory or didn’t recall the specific details, or if he overspoke, would that be enough justification to demand he drop out of the race?”
Chizea’s argument comes as Obi and the Anambra State Government continue to present different accounts of the state’s financial obligations during and after his tenure.
The former governor has maintained that the $123.77 million figure should not be presented as a single debt incurred by his administration, arguing that different categories of multilateral financing, amounts drawn and outstanding balances have been combined. Channels Television
The economist suggested that the wider circumstances surrounding the financing should also be considered rather than focusing solely on whether Obi accurately recalled every detail of the facilities.
His remarks have added another perspective to the ongoing debate over Obi’s record in Anambra and whether the controversy over the state’s loans should have any bearing on his 2027 presidential bid.