Banner Online News

Onanuga mocks candidate’s “doomed” campaign as party blames opponents for doctored photos

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports that its 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was hospitalised after a neck injury sustained during a gym workout, calling the claims false.

The party said Obi is in good health but is exhausted from a demanding schedule of political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Rumour and photographs

The claim spread on social media with photographs allegedly showing the former Anambra State Governor receiving medical attention. A Facebook account operating as JAGABAN DISCIPLES MANDATE GRP said Obi was hospitalised after breaking his neck while exercising at a gym, and urged followers to pray for him. The post added that he would “live to witness both his defeat and President Tinubu’s victory.”

NDC: “Pure exhaustion”

Appearing on Channels Television, NDC Deputy Campaign Spokesperson Dr Sam Omale rejected the report.

“He is in perfect health. There’s nothing wrong with him. It’s just exhaustion, and we are trying to calm him down to take a sleep,” Omale said.

He said Obi’s passion for the country drives him to push beyond his limits, and that the candidate often handles several tasks at once, including answering questions, replying to emails and engaging with people. “It is pure exhaustion, which definitely has no impact on the campaign we are conducting,” he said.

Omale added that Obi will continue his town hall engagements before the campaign’s major rallies begin.

Spokesman: Photos were doctored

Obi’s spokesman, Idris Zekeri, called the report fabricated and said he was with the candidate at about 7 am on Sunday, shortly before Obi boarded a flight for an international engagement.

“There is zero iota of truth in that rumour. No such thing happened,” Zekeri said.

He described the photographs as doctored and accused political opponents of spreading misinformation to discredit Obi. He said the camp was unconcerned about the rumour and that Obi remained in “the finest state of health, mind, body, soul and spirit.”

Zekeri declined to disclose Obi’s destination, saying he had not been cleared to release the details. He said Obi was likely still on the long-haul flight, expected to last about 16 hours.

Onanuga reacts

Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga responded with mockery on X.

“So, Saint Peter Obi is not a Superman after all. He can fall ill like all mortals,” he wrote. “I wish him a quick recovery so he can rejoin what looks like another doomed presidential campaign.”