Peter Obi says close personal ties mean no dispute with Soludo

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has dismissed suggestions that he is in a dispute with his successor, Governor Charles Soludo, saying the two families have a close personal relationship. Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, said on Friday that he and his wife are godparents to Soludo’s children. He was speaking at the 22nd Conference of the Guild of Editors in Enugu.

“People might not know. My wife and I are godparents to Soludo’s children,” Obi said, adding that the relationship meant they were not quarrelling. He said he would embrace Soludo if they met and would respond to claims made about him.

The remarks came amid a public argument over Anambra’s finances. Obi repeated his claim that he left more than $150 million in savings in the state treasury when he left office. He said he had not left debt in Anambra and challenged anyone to identify another governor who had left dollars in the state’s account.

Obi also said political disagreement should not lead to personal abuse. He said he could disagree with President Bola Tinubu and other politicians while continuing to respect them and their offices. However, he told editors that respect for public officials should not prevent the media and citizens from questioning government decisions and performance.

He urged editors to assess political leaders through their records, statements and qualifications. The former governor also said the character and conduct of leaders could influence society. The report did not include a response from Soludo to Obi’s comments.

The dispute over Anambra’s debts has involved claims by officials of Soludo’s administration and repeated denials by Obi.