Peter Obi Warns Tinubu Against Foreign Medical Trips as APC Fires Back

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has sparked a national conversation by urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize Nigeria’s healthcare system by utilizing local medical facilities for his medical needs. Obi’s call, delivered during a press conference in Abuja, was met with sharp criticism from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which accused him of inciting public discontent and misrepresenting the administration’s progress.

Obi Advocates for Local Healthcare Solutions

Peter Obi underscored the need for President Tinubu to serve as a role model by using Nigeria’s public healthcare facilities instead of embarking on foreign medical trips. According to Obi, this shift would restore public confidence in the nation’s health institutions and curtail the rising trend of medical tourism.

“It is time for you to visit our national hospitals,” Obi said. “Consider conducting your next medical examination at one of our National Hospitals or regional FMCs in Sokoto, Birnin Kebbi, Calabar, Umuahia, or Akure. This will help you assess the state of healthcare facilities available to Nigerians and make informed decisions about necessary upgrades.”

Peter Obi highlighted that in the past 18 months, President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have collectively spent over 180 days abroad on 42 trips, raising concerns that some of these visits, particularly to France, were for medical purposes. He urged Tinubu to take responsibility by leading efforts to reform Nigeria’s healthcare system through firsthand experiences.

Calls for Infrastructure and Education Reforms

The former Anambra State governor also pressed President Tinubu to address Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges by traveling on the nation’s highways. Obi suggested that Tinubu take short road trips between neighboring states, such as from Calabar to Uyo or Benin to Warri, to witness the deplorable state of roads firsthand.

Peter Obi recounted a similar initiative during his governorship when he took former President Olusegun Obasanjo on a federal highway trip from Awka to Onitsha. “That journey prompted immediate federal approval for road reconstruction, with the Anambra State government reimbursed subsequently,” he recalled.

Furthermore, Obi urged Tinubu to make unannounced visits to tertiary institutions to assess their infrastructure and determine if the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is being utilized optimally. He stressed that such actions would provide valuable insights into what is required to sustain Nigeria’s education system.

APC Accuses Obi of Hypocrisy and Misinformation

In a swift response, the APC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed Obi’s remarks as politically motivated and misleading. Morka described Obi’s call as an attempt to score cheap political points while failing to acknowledge the administration’s achievements.

“It is ironic that Peter Obi, who claims to have the solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, left no record of significant achievement during his tenure as governor of Anambra State,” Morka stated. “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu is steadily transforming the nation’s economy and infrastructure.”

The APC accused Peter Obi of being a “doomsayer” and of inciting unnecessary public outrage. The party highlighted ongoing reforms under Tinubu’s administration, asserting that they have laid a solid foundation for sustained progress across all sectors.

No Merger Plans but a Rallying Cry for 2027

On political matters, Obi dismissed speculations of a merger with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). He clarified that there was no formal agreement with any political party but called on all democracy-loving Nigerians to unite in the bid to unseat the APC in the 2027 elections.

Obi’s remarks come amidst rising public dissatisfaction over economic and security challenges. As the political discourse intensifies, the exchange between Peter Obi and the APC underscores the deep divisions in Nigeria’s political landscape, with healthcare, infrastructure, and governance reforms remaining at the forefront of public debate.

Conclusion

Peter Obi’s call for President Tinubu to prioritize local healthcare solutions and infrastructure reforms has resonated with many Nigerians but also sparked heated criticism from the ruling APC. As the nation grapples with economic and social challenges, these discussions highlight the urgent need for sustainable leadership and development-focused governance.