Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has made a bold promise to establish functional primary healthcare centres in all 8,000 wards across Nigeria if elected president in 2027.
The former Anambra State Governor made the commitment while addressing supporters and stakeholders, emphasising that accessible and quality healthcare at the grassroots level remains a critical priority for national development.
The pledge comes amid ongoing concerns about the poor state of healthcare infrastructure in many parts of the country, particularly in rural communities where residents often travel long distances to access basic medical services.
Peter Obi has consistently advocated for a functional and decentralised healthcare system. He believes that strengthening primary healthcare is the most effective way to reduce pressure on secondary and tertiary hospitals, lower maternal and child mortality rates, and improve overall life expectancy.
According to him, every ward in Nigeria deserves a well-equipped primary healthcare centre with adequate staff, essential drugs, and basic diagnostic equipment. This, he argues, would bring healthcare closer to the people and significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for families.
The NDC presidential candidate noted that his administration would prioritise preventive healthcare, immunisation, maternal and child health, and the management of common diseases at the community level.
Nigeria currently faces significant challenges in its healthcare sector, including inadequate infrastructure, shortage of medical personnel, and poor funding. Many primary healthcare centres across the country are either non-functional or lack basic amenities.
Obi’s promise has received mixed reactions. Supporters hailed it as a practical and people-centred agenda that addresses a fundamental need. Critics, however, questioned the feasibility of establishing and maintaining 8,000 functional centres, citing funding constraints and past unfulfilled promises by previous administrations.
Peter Obi maintained that with proper planning, transparency, and efficient resource management, the goal is achievable. He pointed to his record in Anambra State, where he significantly improved healthcare delivery during his tenure as governor.
As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, major candidates are beginning to outline their policy priorities. Obi’s focus on healthcare aligns with his broader emphasis on human capital development, education, and poverty reduction.
The commitment to ward-level primary healthcare centres, if implemented, would represent one of the most ambitious healthcare interventions in Nigeria’s history.
