Obi’s exhaustion won’t affect 2027 campaign, NDC insists

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed concerns over the health of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying his recent exhaustion resulted from the demands of campaign activities.
Sam Omale, deputy spokesperson of the NDC campaign council, said Obi was in good health but had been advised to rest after an intense schedule involving frequent travels and multiple engagements.
Omale spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday while responding to concerns following Obi’s recent campaign rally in Enugu State, after which the former Anambra State governor reportedly indicated his intention to take a break.
According to him, Obi’s commitment to national development and his demanding schedule had contributed to his exhaustion.
He explained that the presidential candidate often travelled between cities within short periods while attending meetings, responding to emails and engaging with people on different issues.
“Today, he is in London this night; the following morning, he is in Enugu. The exhaustion comes in. A human being is a human being,” Omale said.
He, however, maintained that the situation would not affect the party’s campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general election.
Omale added that Obi would continue with town hall meetings before the commencement of major campaign rallies.
But the NDC’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, expressed surprise at reports that the party’s presidential candidate had been experiencing exhaustion due to campaign activities.
Director said he was unaware of any health concerns involving Obi, adding that they had recently spent time together in Bayelsa State.
“I knew nothing happened to Peter Obi. Honestly, I am not being sarcastic here. As far as I am concerned and as far as I know, Peter Obi is with his health,” he said.
He also disclosed that he learnt Obi had travelled abroad, noting that some individuals had accompanied him to the airport.
Director further stated that the national campaign council had not taken any steps to persuade Obi to slow down his activities, contrary to the impression created by Omale’s comments.
He maintained that he was unaware of any incident that would require the party leadership to intervene in the presidential candidate’s schedule.
The differing comments from the two party officials have introduced contrasting accounts of the circumstances surrounding reports of Obi’s exhaustion, although both statements indicate that there is no confirmed public disclosure of a serious health problem.