Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as misplaced national priorities, alleging that more public funds are being channelled into election-related litigation than healthcare.
In a statement posted on his X account on April 7 to mark World Health Day, Obi expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s health sector, describing the country as one that has “lost its way.”
“Today, as the world marks World Health Day, we must pause for honest reflection,” he said.
Obi lamented that Nigeria’s healthcare system remains among the weakest globally, with poor funding and alarming health indices.
“Nigeria, a nation of over 200 million people, continues to grapple with one of the weakest healthcare systems in the world. Our primary healthcare structure is almost comatose,” he stated.
He further noted that Nigeria’s infant mortality rate now compares unfavourably with that of India, despite its larger population, while health insurance coverage remains critically low.
“We now record worse infant mortality outcomes than India… while health insurance coverage in Nigeria remains below five per cent. These are not just statistics; they are a painful indictment of our priorities,” Obi added.
Citing recent budgetary figures, Obi said the disparity in funding allocations reflects a troubling policy direction.
“Recent disclosures by the Honourable Minister of Health show that out of the ₦218 billion appropriated for healthcare capital expenditure, only about ₦36 million has been released. This is deeply troubling,” he said.
He contrasted this with projected spending by the Independent National Electoral Commission on legal matters.
“At the same time, INEC has projected over ₦135 billion for legal expenditures. The amount earmarked for election-related litigation is far higher than what has been made available for primary healthcare,” Obi stated.
He warned that such a funding imbalance undermines the nation’s development priorities and places millions of Nigerians at risk.
“A nation that prepares more for electoral disputes than for the health of its citizens is a nation that has lost its way,” he declared.
The former Anambra State governor also highlighted the plight of major federal health institutions across the country, noting that they remain overstretched and underfunded despite serving as lifelines for millions.
“These institutions represent hope for millions. Yet, they remain underfunded, overstretched, and burdened by systemic neglect,” he said.
Obi concluded by calling for urgent reforms and a reordering of national priorities.
“Healthcare and education are not optional; they are the foundation of national development. Nigeria must urgently reorder its priorities… and build a system that works for all, not just a few,” he added.
