Oshiomhole Challenges Peter Obi Over Claim Of Saving $150m In Anambra

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has publicly challenged former Anambra State Governor and prominent political leader, Peter Obi, over his recurring claim of saving $150 million for Anambra State during his two-term tenure.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, questioned how Obi could have accumulated such substantial foreign exchange savings when the Federal Government disbursed statutory monthly allocations to state governments strictly in Naira.

Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, the former Edo State Governor and former APC National Chairman also disputed Obi’s claim that his administration operated without taking loans.

Oshiomhole recalled serving alongside Obi on the National Economic Council (NEC), where state governors reportedly requested to receive federal allocations directly in United States dollars, a proposal that was rejected by the Federal Government because the Naira remains the country’s sole legal tender for official allocations.

Questioning the source and process of the reported dollar reserve, Oshiomhole said:“So, all the allocations we receive are in naira. So, I asked Obi, where did you get dollars to save? Did you receive naira from Abuja and go to buy dollars to save for Anambra State?”

The lawmaker categorized Obi’s claim as misleading, insisting that the former governor needs to provide a transparent financial breakdown explaining how Naira allocations were converted or used to build dollar reserves.

Oshiomhole further referenced past critical statements made by incumbent Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who similarly questioned the real value and nature of the financial legacy left behind by the Obi administration.

Challenging Obi’s assertion that his administration did not incur debt while in office, Oshiomhole argued that facilities and concessions obtained from multilateral institutions like the World Bank constitute debt liabilities, even if deferred repayment structures were attached.

Obi, who governed Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, has repeatedly cited his financial management record—specifically the $150 million savings—as primary proof of his fiscal prudence and suitability for national executive leadership.

Oshiomhole’s interrogation adds momentum to the ongoing national debate surrounding the financial stewardship of key political figures as calculations for the 2027 general elections intensify.