Presidency Mocks After NDC Says Peter Obi Exhausted And Needs Rest
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports claiming that its 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was hospitalised after sustaining a neck injury during a gym workout, describing the claims as false.
The party said Obi was in good health but was experiencing exhaustion from his demanding political engagements and activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga has reacted with some smirking and mockery.
Writing on X Twitter, Onanuga said: “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.”
The rumour circulated on social media alongside photographs allegedly showing the former Anambra State Governor receiving medical attention.
A Facebook account operating under the name JAGABAN DISCIPLES MANDATE GRP had claimed that Obi was hospitalised after breaking his neck while exercising at a gym.
The post read, “Peter Obi hospitalized after broken neck in gym. Please keep him in your prayers.
“God no go let am kpai oooo, Amen. He will live to witness both his defeat and President Tinubu’s Victory, and congratulate President Bola Tinubu on a second term in office.”
However, Dr Sam Omale, NDC Deputy Campaign Spokesperson, dismissed the report during an appearance on Channels Television, explaining that Obi was only exhausted from his activities.
“He is in perfect health. There’s nothing wrong with him. It’s just exhaustion, and we are trying to calm him down to take a sleep,” Omale said.
He attributed the exhaustion to Obi’s commitment to political engagements and national issues, noting that the presidential candidate often pushes himself beyond his limits.
“You know, the person of Mr. Peter Obi, he is so passionate for this country, and he’s pouring out his life. Sometimes I wonder where he gets his energy from,” he added.
Omale further explained that Obi frequently handled several activities simultaneously, including answering questions, responding to emails and engaging with people.
“He multitasks. If you see him, he is doing so many things at the same time. He is talking to you, he’s answering questions, he is replying to emails, so it is pure exhaustion, which definitely has no impact on the campaign we are conducting,” he said.
The NDC Spokesperson also disclosed that Obi would continue his town hall engagements before the commencement of the campaign’s major rallies.
Similarly, Idris Zekeri, Obi’s Spokesman, described the hospitalisation report as fabricated, insisting that he was with the Presidential Candidate shortly before he travelled abroad.
“There is zero iota of truth in that rumour. No such thing happened. I was with His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, at about 7 am today (Sunday) when he got on a flight for an international engagement,” Zekeri said.
He assured Nigerians that Obi remained physically and mentally fit, adding that the reports were being circulated by political opponents to discredit him.
“But I can assure you that he is safe, sound and in the finest state of health, mind, body, soul and spirit. He is ready to continue to engage with Nigerians as we prepare to kick out the faceless and lying APC,” he added.
Zekeri also dismissed the photographs accompanying the viral claims as doctored, accusing those circulating them of deliberately spreading misinformation ahead of the 2027 elections.
“What you witnessed is a product of these guys who are desperately looking for lies to tell every day, having failed spectacularly to deliver on the mandate that they ‘grabbed, snatched and ran’ away from Nigerians,” he said.
He maintained that Obi’s camp was not concerned about the rumour, reiterating that the presidential candidate remained in good health.
When asked about Obi’s destination, Zekeri declined to disclose details, saying he had not received clearance to make the information public.
“I have not been cleared to release such details. That’s also because it is a long-haul flight. As I am talking to you, I am sure he is still on that flight, which I believe should be 16 hours,” he added.
