The AAC presidential candidate alleges that a 13-month doctors’ strike in Anambra State exposed failures in Obi’s healthcare administration, while the former governor has previously offered a different account of the industrial dispute.
Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, has launched a fresh attack on former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, accusing him of failing to adequately address healthcare challenges during his eight-year administration.
Sowore, in a post on his X account on Friday, October 30, 2026, alleged that Anambra State experienced the longest recorded doctors’ strike in human history during Obi’s tenure as governor.
He described the former governor as a “packaged fraud” while questioning his recent promises to establish functional primary healthcare facilities in every ward across Nigeria.
According to Sowore, Obi’s record in Anambra State raises questions about his commitment to improving healthcare delivery, particularly given the prolonged industrial action involving medical doctors during his administration.
“The longest recorded doctors’ strike in human history took place in Anambra State during the wicked regime of @PeterObi,” Sowore wrote.
He further alleged that rather than prioritising the construction and improvement of public hospitals, Obi concentrated on financial investments, including keeping government funds in banks where he allegedly had financial interests.
Sowore also criticised Obi’s proposal to establish functional primary healthcare facilities across Nigeria, arguing that his record as governor should be considered when assessing his promises.
The controversy surrounding the 13-month doctors’ strike dates back to February 2011, when medical doctors in Anambra State reportedly embarked on industrial action that continued until February 2012.
The issue resurfaced during the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, where Sowore challenged Obi over the prolonged strike and his administration’s handling of the state’s healthcare sector.
Responding to the criticism, Obi provided context about the challenges he inherited upon assuming office, stating that Anambra State did not have an accredited school of nursing at the time.
He maintained that his administration invested in healthcare infrastructure, supported medical institutions and worked with religious organisations to improve healthcare delivery.
Obi also questioned the circumstances surrounding the prolonged strike, arguing that despite the industrial action, the state did not experience the level of mass casualties some might have expected.
The former governor further claimed that Anambra recorded improvements in medical education, including the establishment and development of nursing institutions and teaching hospitals.
Sowore’s latest comments have renewed public debate over Obi’s record in office, particularly concerning healthcare delivery, workers’ welfare and the management of public institutions.
