Political Firestorm: Nigerians Slam Sowore for Obi Attack Amid Doctors' Strike

Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and the African Action Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, has drawn significant criticism on social media following his recent attack on former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi. Sowore's critique centered on a prolonged doctors’ strike that occurred during Obi's eight-year administration, which he described as the "longest recorded doctors’ strike in human history."

In a post on his verified Facebook page, Sowore specifically accused Obi of failing to prioritize hospital development during his tenure, questioning the former governor's promise to establish primary healthcare facilities in every ward if elected president. He further alleged that Obi converted state funds into dollars and stashed them in banks where he supposedly held shares and financial interests. Sowore's post read, "Don’t let hypocrites and liars gaslight you! The longest recorded doctors’ strike in human history took place in Anambra State during the wicked regime of Mr. Peter Obi. The packaged fraud and his minions now tell you he will establish primary healthcare facilities in every ward, but during his eight years as governor, instead of building hospitals, he converted state funds into dollars and stashed them in banks where he held shares and financial interests. Never vote for wolves in sheep’s clothing!"

These comments triggered a wave of mixed reactions from Facebook users, with many questioning Sowore's strategy of attacking another opposition figure instead of focusing on his own policy proposals. Some commenters, like Ezechona Ezimuo and Ugochukwu Igwe, openly speculated about Sowore's mental state. Ekechukwu Benneth urged Sowore to investigate the true causes of the strike, suggesting that Obi's firm leadership would be appreciated upon understanding the context.

Kolawole E. Afolabi challenged Sowore to address the activities of Nnamdi Kanu and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), implying a selective focus in his criticism. Johnwill Chris Titan sarcastically referred to Sowore as a "content creator." Many users, such as Chieme Chukwuduro, criticized Sowore for directing his attacks at fellow opposition figures rather than campaigning against the ruling party, suggesting he should present what he can offer differently to Nigerians.

Several individuals defended Peter Obi's record. Ezegwu Jude Kelechi argued that Obi brought "sanity" to Anambra's health sector by combating corruption, asserting that "corruption fought back, but he didn’t bow to their pressure until accountability and order was restored." Kelechi also mentioned Obi's impeachments, attributing them to his refusal to engage in corrupt politics. Cyril Ogah accused Sowore of displaying "bitterness and jealousy" towards other political figures and suggested he might be a "double agent."

Some commenters, including Jack Obinyan, believed Sowore's attacks on opposition figures inadvertently aided the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Okey Azubuike and Izuvhukwu Okeke raised questions about the specifics of the strike, asking why doctors went on strike, if patients faced medical challenges, and what prompted their return to work, implying Sowore's account was incomplete. Silver Etiosa, however, suggested Sowore had already addressed the issue in a previous debate.

A recurring theme in the reactions was the call for Sowore to move beyond mere criticism and articulate his own solutions to Nigeria's challenges. Akintola Jeremiah directly asked, "Omoyele Sowore, what have you personally done to improve healthcare in your community? Stop hiding behind criticism and tell Nigerians what you would do differently." Similar appeals came from Alex Pencil and Monday Udoh. Other comments included Onejetan Daniel's remark associating Sowore with "Igbo marijuana" and Ekeleme Precious Ezinne's humorous observation about the early timing of Sowore's post, questioning if he had slept at all.