KEYAMO DEFENDS REVIEW OF OBI’S ANAMBRA RECORD AMID 2027 DEBATE

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has defended the decision by the Anambra State Government to examine the record of former governor Peter Obi, accusing critics of applying different standards to political candidates. Keyamo made the remarks while reacting to the ongoing debate over Obi’s performance as governor and his preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

The minister questioned why the record of President Bola Tinubu’s time as governor of Lagos State could continue to be examined while similar scrutiny of Obi’s eight-year tenure in Anambra was being criticised. Keyamo argued that both politicians are seeking the same office and should therefore be subjected to public examination of their previous records.

The comments followed recent statements by the Anambra State Government concerning loans and other financial liabilities linked to previous administrations, including the periods when Obi and former governor Willie Obiano were in office. The state government said deductions were still being made from its federal allocations to service loans obtained by previous administrations.

Obi has rejected the claims that he left behind outstanding obligations to contractors, suppliers, workers or pensioners. The former governor challenged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to provide evidence of any such debts, saying he left office without unpaid salaries, pensions, gratuities or obligations to contractors and suppliers.

Keyamo, however, maintained that the Anambra State Government should be allowed to present its account of the state’s finances and that public figures seeking the presidency should expect their records in previous offices to be examined. He also expressed support for Soludo’s administration for providing information about the financial history of the state.

The exchange adds to the growing political debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Obi and Tinubu among politicians whose previous records in public office are being discussed. The claims and counterclaims surrounding Obi’s tenure remain subjects of political debate, with the parties presenting different accounts of the state’s financial position and obligations.