By BONIFACE AKARAH

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential frontrunner, Peter Obi, has criticised Nigeria’s healthcare funding, citing a wide gap between budgeted allocations and actual releases.

In a statement on World Health Day, Obi said only about ₦36 million had been released from the ₦218 billion appropriated for healthcare capital expenditure, describing the development as “deeply troubling.”

He contrasted this with projections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which he said earmarked over ₦135 billion for legal expenditures.

“The amount earmarked for election-related litigation is far higher than what has been made available for primary healthcare,” Obi said.

He added, “these are not just statistics; they are a painful indictment of our priorities.”

The former Anambra State Governor said Nigeria’s healthcare system remains weak, noting that primary healthcare is “almost comatose,” with health insurance coverage below five per cent.

He further stated that “a nation that prepares more for electoral disputes than for the health of its citizens is a nation that has lost its way.”

Obi also listed several federal tertiary health institutions across the country, including University College Hospital and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, which he said remain underfunded and overstretched.

“These institutions represent hope for millions. Yet, they remain underfunded, overstretched, and burdened by systemic neglect,” he said.

He called for urgent reforms, stressing that “healthcare and education are not optional; they are the foundation of national development.”