Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has sought to draw a line between his political disagreement with Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, and their personal relationship, saying the controversy over the state’s finances has not created hostility between them.
Obi, who spoke on Friday while addressing the Nigerian Guild of Editors, said he and Soludo remained close despite their differing positions on the debt profile of Anambra State.
The former governor disclosed that he and his wife are godparents to Soludo’s children, stressing that the relationship between both families remained strong.
“I and my wife are godparents to Soludo’s children. We are that close, so we are not quarrelling and we will never quarrel,” Obi said.
He added that their disagreements over public issues would not prevent them from maintaining their personal relationship.
“If I see him any day, I will hug him. If they say anything, I will answer them,” he said.
The statement comes amid a renewed dispute over the financial obligations allegedly inherited by Soludo’s administration from Obi’s tenure as governor.
Obi again rejected claims that he left Anambra State in debt, insisting that his administration left substantial savings instead.
According to him, about $150 million was left in savings at the end of his tenure, which he said distinguished his administration from other state governments.
“I did not leave debt in Anambra State,” Obi insisted.
The NDC presidential candidate said the financial records of his administration should be examined on the basis of facts rather than political exchanges.
The latest comments also underscore Obi’s attempt to separate the ongoing political and financial debate from his longstanding personal relationship with Soludo.