ENUGU — Former Anambra State Governor and ex-Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige, has sparked a firestorm of political debate after publicly defending the financial record of his successor, Peter Obi. While the comments have been embraced by Obi’s supporters as a sign of a cross-party alliance, Ngige has made it clear that his political loyalty remains with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“He Didn’t Waste Our Money”
In a move that surprised many, Ngige pushed back against recent criticisms of Obi’s tenure, stating that the former Labour Party candidate managed the state’s resources with high discipline.
In a move that surprised many, Ngige pushed back against recent criticisms of Obi’s tenure, stating that the former Labour Party candidate managed the state’s resources with high discipline.
“Peter Obi did well as governor; he didn’t waste our money,” Ngige stated. He acknowledged that Obi invested wisely and left significant savings for the subsequent administration under Willie Obiano. However, Ngige was quick to point out that this success was built on a foundation he laid, claiming he handed over ₦13.8 billion to Obi in 2006—a figure he challenged Obi to acknowledge publicly.
The 2027 Divide
Despite the praise for Obi’s past performance, Ngige has not extended that support to the 2027 presidential race. Earlier this month, Ngige joined a coalition of former South-East governors in Enugu to formally endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
Despite the praise for Obi’s past performance, Ngige has not extended that support to the 2027 presidential race. Earlier this month, Ngige joined a coalition of former South-East governors in Enugu to formally endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
The endorsement appears to be a strategic move to align the region with the federal government, despite the high popularity Obi enjoys in the South-East.
Social Media vs. Reality
The nuanced comments from Ngige have since been repackaged on social media. Pro-Obi accounts have been circulating the “exceptional governor” quote as a 2027 endorsement, often omitting Ngige’s recent participation in the pro-Tinubu forum.
The nuanced comments from Ngige have since been repackaged on social media. Pro-Obi accounts have been circulating the “exceptional governor” quote as a 2027 endorsement, often omitting Ngige’s recent participation in the pro-Tinubu forum.
Political analysts suggest that while Ngige is willing to be objective about Obi’s gubernatorial legacy to distance himself from the public “feud” between Obi and Governor Charles Soludo, he remains firmly entrenched in the APC machinery heading into the next election cycle.
