National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, Yunusa Tanko has asserted that former Anambra governor Peter Obi’s financial records from his time in office are open to verification, as he defended Obi against claims that he left debts behind.

Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, Tanko said Obi had provided records and brought bank managers to confirm the funds available at the end of his administration, challenging anyone disputing the figures to verify them directly with the banks.

“They confirmed that such amount of money, A, B, C, D, is in their bank account. If anybody wants to contradict that, let them go to the bank. It’s verifiable.”

He was responded to questions about claims over loans and liabilities allegedly left by Obi when he handed over power in Anambra State stating that the dispute was not about establishing facts but, in his view, an attempt to discredit the former governor. “So because the man is convinced of whatever he’s saying, so you can see clearly that this particular statement by the commissioner is not about, It’s about probably trying to bring Mr. Peter Obi down, but let me say this very clearly.”

Tanko insisted that Obi could not be brought down by the claims because the issue had been discussed for years and Obi had repeatedly presented his position. “His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi cannot be brought down because this is an issue that has been on for years, and he has made it categorically clear.”

He said those challenging Obi’s account could not contradict him because, according to him, they did not have the facts to do so. “They cannot. Because they know that they don’t have facts.”

Tanko also referred to Obi’s account of the financial position of Anambra State at the end of his administration. “We systematically liquidated historical debt, dating back several years, amounting to about 35 billion Naira. At the point of handover, the state owed nothing in salary, gratuity, or pension.”

He said Obi had also explained the status of a N2 billion economic fund, which he said was released shortly before the end of Obi’s tenure. “Two billion Naira economic fund in question was released barely three months before the end of my tenure.”

According to Tanko, the money remained untouched in the bank and the account balance was included in the handover records. “The money was thereof left 100% intact in the first bank. They quoted the account. The first bank in account 20186764, with a balance of over 2.3 billion Naira.”

He also clarified that Obi handed over to former governor Willie Obiano, rather than the current governor, Charles Soludo. “His Excellency did not hand over payment to Mr Soludo. He handed over his payment to Mr Obiano.”

Tanko emphasised he would personally condemn Obi if evidence emerged showing that the former governor had lied about the financial records. “If I know and I see anything that I have not convinced, I personally, I will be the first person to come out and say Mr Obiano has lied. This is not the situation.”

He described the dispute as an attempt by people from the same political environment to undermine one another. “Unfortunately, it is about brothers trying to bring brothers down.”

Turning to Obi’s statement that he would step down from the 2027 presidential race if it was established that he took loans or left debts in Anambra, Tanko said Obi had accepted the position he had publicly stated and would stand by his words. “My principal has owned up to his own words. My principal always owns up to his own words, any time, any day.”

He then challenged those questioning Obi’s financial record to apply the same standard to their own records. “The question will be, if Mr. Peter Obi has been proven right, would they step down and give us account of every expenditure?”

Tanko repeated the challenge, asking whether those making the allegations would also withdraw from elections if their own financial records were called into question. “Would they also step down and not contest elections? That’s my question to ask you.”

He also rejected the suggestion that Obi had failed to explain his financial record before now, saying the former governor had made his position public. “He has already declared what he has and he has made it publicly to every Nigerian. He didn’t hide anything. You didn’t ask him before he declared it.”

Tanko said Obi had presented the information voluntarily rather than being forced to produce the records. “Nobody asked His Excellency Mr. Pinto Obi to present facts about his handing over. He did willingly and openly to the people.”

He accused Obi’s critics of continuing to search for evidence against him years after the claims first emerged. “And he has been doing this since almost four to five years ago. Still today, they are still searching.”

He also challenged the programme to bring Obi on air to answer questions directly about the figures. “I challenge you as a spokesperson if you can bring Mr. Pinto Obi here next week. So let’s challenge him on these numbers.”

Tanko said he expected Obi to provide further clarification himself. “I think Mr. Peter Obi himself should be able to clarify.”

He also used his background in handball to describe his approach to the dispute, saying he was focused on the facts being presented.

“Unfortunately, I’m a handballer. I was a handballer, so I know how to sidestep on facts. I’m telling you on facts.”

Tanko then pointed back to the records Obi had already presented. “These are facts that have already been put in by His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi.” (AriseNews TV)