There is uncertainty over the claim by Nigeria’s main opposition party that the bank accounts of its vice presidential candidate has been frozen by the government.
Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, claimed that authorities froze the bank accounts of Peter Obi in the run-up to elections next February.
The PDP said late Saturday that accounts belonging to Obi, his wife, family members and their businesses had been blocked by government agencies.
The presidency could not be reached for comment and Obi did not respond to a call, text message or email seeking clarity on the accusation.
“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.
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President Muhammadu Buhari last month 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 to 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.
Geographical affiliations in Nigeria are crucial in a sprawling nation of 190 million people from 250 ethnic groups.
With a tight race 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.
