The Presidency has challenged former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to follow through on his earlier promise to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if his claims about the state’s finances are proven inaccurate.

The challenge followed renewed disagreement between Obi and the Anambra State Government over the financial position he left behind when he handed over power. President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the former governor should now respond to the government’s contrary account.

Obi had maintained that his administration settled more than N35 billion in inherited gratuities and arrears, while leaving the state without unpaid salaries, pensions or gratuities. He also said N2.13 billion set aside to address the Oko/Umuchiana erosion problem was still intact in a First Bank account at the end of his tenure.

However, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, disputed the claim concerning the N2.13 billion, saying certified government records did not substantiate Obi’s account. The state government also alleged that Obi left behind several financial obligations, including liabilities involving workers and other commitments.

Obi has rejected the allegations, leaving the dispute centred on competing accounts of the state’s finances. Onanuga has consequently pointed to Obi’s previous declaration that he would stop campaigning if his financial claims were disproved, putting renewed focus on whether the former governor will stand by that statement.