Former Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has firmly refuted all corruption allegations associated with his time in office.
He reiterated that he remains a dedicated member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Ikpeazu is among the individuals nominated by President Bola Tinubu for ambassadorial appointments and is currently awaiting screening by the Senate.
Recent media reports had cited a 2024 document attributed to KPMG International Nigeria Limited, alleging that the firm uncovered extensive financial misconduct during his administration.
The publication claimed the report detailed issues such as mismanaged contracts, unsupported payments, illegal withdrawals and loans, with the total sum allegedly diverted estimated at N1.9 trillion.
However, in a statement released by his team, Ikpeazu’s media adviser said the KPMG document had been misrepresented.
He clarified that the review conducted was a “process review,” not a forensic audit, meaning KPMG did not assess or issue any opinion on the state’s financial accounts.
The statement also noted that a process review cannot legally “indict” any individual.
Ikpeazu’s team added that within his eight-year tenure, the state’s total revenue never approached N1 trillion, describing the alleged diversion of N1.9 trillion as “mathematically impossible.”
Addressing speculation about his political alignment, Ikpeazu dismissed claims that he had joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), labeling the reports as baseless.
The former governor emphasised his continued loyalty to the PDP and expressed commitment to strengthening the party in Abia State.
Meanwhile, criticism has trailed President Tinubu’s recent ambassadorial nominations, with opponents faulting the inclusion of former officeholders with contentious records, describing the list as “scandalous” and damaging to Nigeria’s global standing.
