Former Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has publicly denied all corruption allegations linked to his tenure in office.
He reiterated that he remains a committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ikpeazu is among several individuals nominated by Bola Tinubu for ambassadorial posts and is currently awaiting Senate confirmation.
Some media reports had referenced a 2024 document from KPMG International Nigeria Limited, claiming it flagged massive financial misconduct under his administration.
According to the report, allegations included mismanaged contracts, unsubstantiated payments, illegal withdrawals and loans — with the total sum allegedly diverted put at N1.9 trillion.
But in a statement issued by his camp, Ikpeazu’s media adviser said the KPMG document was wrongly portrayed.
He emphasised that the assignment was a “process review,” not a forensic audit, meaning KPMG did not evaluate or render an opinion on the state’s financial statements.
The statement further argued that a process review cannot legally “indict” anyone.
The team pointed out that during eight years in office, the government did not generate anywhere near N1 trillion in total revenue, making the supposed diversion of N1.9 trillion “mathematically impossible.”
On the question of party loyalty, Ikpeazu dismissed rumours that he had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the reports as false.
The former Abia State Governor affirmed that he continues to support the PDP and remains committed to its revival in Abia State.
In a related development, critics of President Tinubu’s recent ambassadorial list have condemned the inclusion of former public office holders with controversial records, dubbing the nominations “scandalous” and a threat to Nigeria’s international image.
