Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has called on President Bola Tinubu to use Nigeria’s healthcare facilities instead of seeking medical treatment abroad. Obi said this move would help restore trust in the country’s hospitals and curb medical tourism.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, suggested that Tinubu visit National Hospitals or Federal Medical Centres in cities like Sokoto, Calabar, or Umuahia. He emphasized that such visits would allow the President to assess the condition of Nigerian hospitals and understand their needs for improvement.
Obi’s remarks come as Tinubu has made 42 foreign trips in 18 months. Speculation surrounds some of these trips, particularly to France, as being for medical reasons. Obi urged Tinubu to also travel by road to see the state of Nigeria’s highways. He recalled how a trip with former President Obasanjo led to federal road improvements.
On political matters, Obi denied rumors of merging with the PDP or NNPP. He called for a united front to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections.
The APC quickly responded, accusing Obi of hypocrisy. Felix Morka, APC’s spokesman, dismissed Obi’s claims as misleading and politically motivated. He pointed out the progress made under Tinubu’s administration and criticized Obi’s tenure as Anambra’s governor, which he said lacked achievements.
Morka reassured Nigerians, claiming the Tinubu administration is making real progress and will continue its reforms for a better future.