Peter Obi disowns viral letter to Obi of Onitsha

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has denied authoring a purported letter addressed to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, amid the ongoing dispute over political and financial issues in Anambra State.

The letter, dated September 19, 2026, and titled “The Future of Ndigbo is Bleak”, criticised Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s claims concerning liabilities allegedly incurred by Anambra during Obi’s tenure as governor.

The purported document called for the state’s financial records to be made available for scrutiny.

“Let the records be opened. Let the books be examined. Let every legitimate question be answered with evidence,” the said letter read.

Obi has recently challenged claims by the Anambra State Government that his administration left unpaid loans, maintaining that he did not leave outstanding salaries, pensions or obligations to contractors for completed projects.

He had also said he would stop campaigning if evidence was produced to contradict his position.

The Anambra State Government, however, said on Wednesday that eight external loan facilities contracted during Obi’s administration remained outstanding when he left office on March 17, 2014.

The state government said the outstanding balance on the loans stood at N127.4 billion as of June 30, 2026, based on the official exchange rate and figures it attributed to the Debt Management Office.

Amid the dispute, the purported letter circulated on social media, prompted a response from Obi on Saturday.

Obi said the document was fabricated and urged members of the public and the media to disregard it.

“My attention has been drawn to a fake letter circulating on social media, purportedly written by me to His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, concerning political and financial matters in Anambra State,” Obi wrote.

“This document is entirely false, malicious, and a fabrication by mischievous elements aimed at misleading the public. Furthermore, the signature appended to the letter is completely forged.

“I urge the public and media to disregard this spurious publication. My focus remains steadfastly on issues of national development, accountability, and building a better future for our people – never on cheap fabrications.”