ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Presidency has taken a swipe at former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following reports that he was experiencing exhaustion due to his demanding political activities.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, mocked Obi over his health condition. He insisted that the former Labour Party presidential candidate was not a superman and could fall ill like other human beings.
Onanuga also wished Obi a quick recovery. But he described his presidential campaign as another doomed political project.
The Mockery
The presidential aide made the remarks in a post on his X account on Tuesday. He was reacting to comments by the NDC Deputy Campaign Spokesperson, Dr. Sam Omale, who had dismissed concerns about Obi’s health.
“So, Saint Peter Obi is not a Superman after all. He can fall ill like all mortals. I wish him a quick recovery so he can rejoin what looks like another doomed presidential campaign,” Onanuga wrote.
Health Concerns
Concerns over Obi’s health emerged following reports of exhaustion linked to his hectic political schedule and frequent travels. This is in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Omale explained that the former Anambra governor was in good health. But he said Obi needed adequate rest after several demanding engagements.
According to him, Obi’s commitment to political activities and his tendency to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously had contributed to his exhaustion.
Omale said the NDC presidential candidate frequently travelled between different locations within short periods. This left him with little time to rest.
He explained that Obi could travel to London and appear in Enugu the following morning. He would also be simultaneously attending to other responsibilities.
NDC Spokesperson’s Account
The NDC spokesperson said, “He is in perfect health; nothing is wrong with him. It’s just exhaustion, and we are trying to calm him down to take a sleep.
“He multitasks; if you see him, he is doing so many things at the same time. He is talking to you, he is answering questions, he is replying to his emails.
“So, it is pure exhaustion which definitely has no impact on the campaign we are conducting. He is going to continue on the town halls before the main rallies begin. He is fine.”
Omale further expressed admiration for Obi’s energy and dedication. He said he sometimes wondered how the former governor managed to keep up with his demanding schedule.
Another Spokesperson’s View
However, another NDC spokesperson, Osa Director, said he was unaware of any health challenge or incident that required members of the campaign team to calm Obi down.
Director said he had recently spent time with the presidential candidate in Bayelsa State. He maintained that, to his knowledge, Obi was in good health.
What This Means
The exchange highlights the political tension ahead of the 2027 elections. It also shows the growing rivalry between supporters of the ruling party and the opposition.
For Onanuga, the attack on Obi is a political move. He is seeking to downplay Obi’s chances in the election.
For the NDC, the focus is on clarifying the candidate’s health status. The party wants to reassure supporters that Obi is fit to continue his campaign.
What Happens Next
Obi will continue his campaign activities. The NDC will also intensify its preparations for the 2027 elections.
For now, the focus is on ensuring that Obi gets enough rest. The coming months will reveal how the campaign unfolds.
