Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, has pledged to establish a primary healthcare centre in each of Nigeria’s 8,809 electoral wards within four years if elected president.
Obi made the promise during a visit to the Wazobia Wura community in Abuja, where he encouraged eligible Nigerians to register to vote and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing active civic participation as essential to achieving good governance.
According to Obi, strengthening primary healthcare would be a key priority of his administration, particularly for rural and underserved communities where access to essential medical services remains limited. He argued that quality healthcare should be available to every Nigerian regardless of location or socioeconomic status.
The former Anambra governor said the proposed expansion of primary healthcare infrastructure would form part of a broader human capital development agenda focused on improving education, healthcare, and social welfare while reducing poverty and enhancing national productivity.
His proposal has generated mixed reactions. Supporters described the pledge as an ambitious plan to improve access to basic healthcare and reduce disparities between urban and rural communities. Critics, however, questioned the feasibility of constructing or establishing healthcare centres in every electoral ward within a single four-year term, noting the financial, logistical, and administrative challenges involved.
Some commentators also pointed out that the administration of primary healthcare in Nigeria is constitutionally shared among the federal, state, and local governments, meaning effective implementation would require extensive collaboration across all levels of government.
Others referenced Obi’s tenure as Governor of Anambra State, arguing that his healthcare record centred more on renovating existing facilities, supporting mission hospitals, and strengthening public-private partnerships than constructing large numbers of new primary healthcare centres.
The proposal comes as the Federal Government continues to implement reforms in the health sector. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has highlighted ongoing efforts to revitalise thousands of primary healthcare centres nationwide, alongside programmes aimed at improving maternal and child health, expanding immunisation coverage, and strengthening healthcare delivery.
Healthcare is expected to remain a major issue in the build-up to the 2027 general elections, with political parties increasingly presenting competing visions for expanding access to quality medical services and improving health outcomes across the country.
