Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has defended his administration’s record in the health sector.
Obi spoke at the 2026 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He was responding to criticism from African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. Sowore had questioned Obi’s performance as governor. He also cited the 13-month doctors’ strike that took place during Obi’s tenure.
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Obi Explains Anambra Health Sector Challenges
Obi said the strike should be viewed within the wider challenges facing healthcare in Anambra State at the time. According to him, Anambra had no accredited school of nursing when he assumed office. Several hospitals and teaching institutions also lacked the required accreditation.
The former governor said his administration later invested in the health sector. He listed the development of nursing institutions and teaching hospitals among the areas that received attention. Obi also said his government worked with religious organisations and private institutions that operated hospitals and schools.
He explained that the approach was necessary because improving healthcare required cooperation beyond government-owned facilities.
Obi Questions 13-Month Doctors’ Strike
Speaking about the doctors’ strike, Obi questioned the circumstances surrounding the prolonged industrial action. He argued that critics had not fully explained why the doctors went on strike for 13 months. The former governor also questioned the impact of the strike on the state’s healthcare system. Obi said the absence of what he described as mass deaths during the period raised questions about the circumstances of the dispute.
“If the doctors are very effective, in 13 months there was no mass death. That means something is missing. Because after 13 months, we were still alive,” he said.
Obi maintained that his administration’s healthcare policies produced lasting improvements despite the criticism it faced.
‘Anambra Now Has Highest Number Of Nursing Schools’
The former governor also highlighted developments in medical education in the state. Obi claimed that Anambra now has the highest number of schools of nursing and midwifery in Nigeria. He also said the state has three teaching hospitals.
He attributed the development to investments and decisions made during his administration. Obi defended his willingness to take difficult decisions in government. He said leaders must sometimes accept criticism when implementing policies they believe will improve public institutions.
“If annoying them means that we will do well, we will do that,” he said.
The exchange took place during a broader discussion on governance, security and state capacity at the NBA conference. The event brought together several political figures, including Sowore and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
The debate comes as political parties and aspirants prepare for the 2027 general elections. Healthcare, governance, security and economic policy are expected to remain major issues in the political discourse.
Read also: Presidency criticises Peter Obi over comments on rising poverty and hunger in Nigeria
