Peter Obi reveals ‘connection’ with Soludo amid debt debate

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said many Nigerians might not know that he and his wife are godparents to Governor Charles Soludo’s children.

Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, spoke on Friday at the 22nd Conference of the Guild of Editors in Enugu amid a debt debate between him and Mr Soludo’s administration.

The conference was themed: “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.”

Speaking as a guest at the event, Mr Obi dismissed insinuations that he and Mr Soludo were in dispute.

“People might not know. My wife and I are godparents to Soludo’s children.

“Yes. We are that close. We are not quarrelling. I will never quarrel with him. If I see him anyday, he and I will hug. If they say anything, I’ll answer them,” he said.

The former governor did not say how many of Mr Soludo’s children they serve as godparents to.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that Mr Soludo has four daughters and two sons.

A godparent is someone who serves as a witness at a child’s baptism.

Children’s godparents are usually chosen by their biological parents, often because of existing close relationships between the two families.

Debt debate

Mr Obi then repeated what he said during his appearance on Arise News’ Prime Time on Thursday: that he left over $150 million in the state’s treasury when he left office as governor.

“Like I said yesterday, I did not leave debt in Anambra State. The day I left office, I left $150 million in savings.

“No other governor has left dollars before. If you see one, tell me,” he said.

‘Why I’ll never abuse Tinubu’

Mr Obi then said that although he might disagree politically with politicians such as President Bola Tinubu, he will never abuse him or any governor.

“I cannot abuse any governor. I cannot abuse anybody in government.

“I don’t need to abuse people even in the federal government. I’ve never abused anybody.

READ ALSO: Peter Obi counters Anambra’s debt claims, details what he left as governor

“Who has seen me calling President Tinubu’s name? Never! I will not do that. He’s the president of the country; he has all my respect,” he said.

The NDC candidate, however, said respect for public office holders should not prevent Nigerians and the media from questioning their decisions and performance.

The former governor stressed that the character and conduct of political leaders could influence the value of society as a whole.

He urged editors to scrutinise politicians based on their records, statements, and qualifications.