NDC Presidential candidate Peter Obi has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system, announcing plans to establish 10,000 primary healthcare centres across the country’s more than 8,000 political wards if given the opportunity to lead.
Speaking during a visit to rural communities, Obi said he was touring underserved areas to gain firsthand insight into the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians, particularly in access to healthcare.
“I’m going round the rural areas to see things for myself. We shall set up 10,000 primary healthcare centres in all the over 8,000 wards in Nigeria. This is very critical to end the high rate of maternal mortality and infant mortality affecting our people,” Obi said.
According to the former Anambra State governor, expanding primary healthcare infrastructure would improve access to essential medical services, especially for pregnant women, newborns and residents of rural communities where healthcare facilities are often inadequate or nonexistent.
Obi stressed that reducing maternal and infant mortality should be a national priority, arguing that strengthening primary healthcare is one of the most effective ways to improve public health outcomes and reduce preventable deaths.
He also urged Nigerians, particularly those in rural communities, to register massively for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that active participation in the electoral process is essential to electing leaders who will prioritise the welfare of the people.
Obi said only credible and compassionate leadership can deliver quality healthcare, education, security and economic opportunities, encouraging citizens not to surrender their civic responsibility but to use their votes to shape the country’s future.
The proposal forms part of his broader vision of investing in human capital development through improved healthcare, quality education and increased productivity, which he has consistently identified as key pillars of national development.
Health experts have long argued that revitalising Nigeria’s primary healthcare system is essential to achieving universal health coverage and improving health indicators, particularly in rural communities where access to medical care remains limited.
Obi’s remarks come amid continued national conversations on healthcare funding, access to quality medical services and strategies for improving Nigeria’s public health system.
