NDC: Obi advised to ‘take a sleep’ over campaign exhaustion

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has attributed concerns over the health of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to exhaustion from demanding campaign activities, insisting that he is in good health.

Sam Omale, Deputy Spokesperson of the NDC Campaign Council, said Obi had been advised to rest following an intense schedule involving frequent travels, meetings and other political engagements ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Omale spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday while responding to concerns about Obi’s health after his recent campaign rally in Enugu State, following which he reportedly announced plans to take a break.

He said the former Anambra State governor was in perfect health but sometimes became exhausted because of his commitment to political activities.

“If you know the person of Mr Peter Obi, he is so passionate for this country and his pouring out his life. Sometimes, I wonder where he gets his energy from,” Omale said.

“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.

“But he is in perfect health; nothing is wrong with him. It is just exhaustion, and we are trying to calm him down to take a sleep,” he added.

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Omale said Obi often multitasked, attending to several engagements simultaneously, including responding to emails, answering questions and holding conversations.

He maintained that the exhaustion would not affect the party’s campaign, adding that Obi would continue with town hall meetings before the commencement of major rallies.

However, the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, expressed surprise over the claim that Obi had experienced exhaustion and needed to be advised to rest.

Director said he was unaware of any health concerns involving the presidential candidate, insisting that Obi was in good condition.

“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 disclosed that he recently spent time with Obi in Bayelsa State and was aware that the former governor had travelled abroad.

Director also said he did not know of any arrangement by the party’s national campaign council to persuade Obi to slow down his activities.

“He has not done anything that requires us to calm him down personally,” he added.

The differing comments came amid public concerns about Obi’s health following his recent campaign engagements.