Nigeria’s main opposition party said authorities had the bank accounts of its vice presidential candidate frozen in the run-up to elections in February 2019.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) disclosed late on Saturday that accounts belonging to Peter Obi, its vice presidential candidate, his wife, family members and their businesses had been blocked by government agencies. The PDP did not identify them.
The presidency has not made any comment concerning this incident.
“Why is the presidency on a wild goose chase in investigating Peter Obi, who left office as Governor of Anambra state five years ago with a nationally acclaimed clean record,” the PDP said in a statement.
Last month, President Muhammadu Buhari launched his campaign for re-election for a second term, running on his track record on corruption. Buhari’s handling of a struggling economy will also be a central campaign issue.
PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, a former ally of Buhari, chose as running mate Obi, 57, to generate support in the southeast region, which includes Anambra, where the president has polled badly in past elections.
A tight race is in prospect, a strong showing in the southeast could give the PDP enough votes to deny Buhari, a former military ruler, a second four-year term.
-Reuters
