The APC Convention and the Call for Healthcare Reform
Nigeria’s ruling political party, the All-Progressives Congress (APC), recently held its 2026 National Convention in Abuja. The event was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his Vice, 32 state governors, and a host of party officials and top political office holders. The live broadcast of the convention showcased a well-organized event with a carefully choreographed scenario. For many who have witnessed political party events in Nigeria since the return of democracy in 1999, this gathering seemed more like a victory parade than a contestation.
The organizers of the event deserve commendation for their efforts, which may serve as a model for those seeking to understand political consensus—a term that is somewhat foreign to a people accustomed to contesting every election. While the APC has managed to maintain a level of peace within its ranks, the focus now should be on urging the party to extend its ingenuity to a critical area of governance: healthcare.
The Nigerian Constitution outlines the primary purpose of government as the security and welfare of the people. This means that those in power should prioritize the personal safety and happiness of citizens. It is not enough for the ruling party to demonstrate its ability to organize a noiseless World Cup football final or any other event. Such achievements are merely cosmetic and do not address the fundamental needs of the populace.
Political defections, budget padding, excessive remuneration for the political class, and magical political consensus do little to help the ordinary citizen. The greatest assistance for the people lies in building a healthy nation rather than one where diseases such as Tuberculosis (TB) continue to claim lives. Nigeria is ranked sixth globally in terms of TB infections and deaths, surpassing all other African countries. The dangers of TB are well-known: it is an airborne disease caused by a bacterium that primarily affects the lungs and can strike anyone.
TB is the second deadliest infectious killer disease after COVID-19 and among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. In Nigeria, it accounts for 10% of all deaths. A recent survey revealed that approximately 15 Nigerians die every hour from TB, totaling 347 deaths daily and over 10,000 monthly. These statistics should prompt leaders to prioritize healthcare, but instead, many in authority seem more interested in showcasing wealth and holding irrelevant rallies that place the citizenry as the object rather than the subject of governance.
A year ago, this column commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the nation’s First Lady, for her generous donations towards the eradication of TB in Nigeria. Her initial pledge of one billion naira from her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) during her investiture as the Global and National Stop TB Champion was followed by another donation of one billion naira in 2025. However, such initiatives are rarely highlighted by other political leaders, leaving Nigeria in a dire situation.
From 2000 to 2022, health-related investments fluctuated between 3.65% and 4.27% of the annual budget, making it difficult to achieve meaningful improvements. Nigeria continues to rank poorly in health system performance evaluations, with the World Bank placing it 187th out of 191 countries. Low health insurance coverage is a significant factor, as less than 10% of the population is covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme. Consequently, over 90% of private health expenditure is handled through direct household payments, which have minimal impact.
Inadequate and poorly maintained infrastructure exacerbates the problem, particularly in rural areas where medical facilities are scarce. This leads to medical tourism, with many people traveling to urban centers for treatment. Leaders often fail to provide the necessary facilities, despite being the ones who seek better care elsewhere.
The absence of an effective public enlightenment system also contributes to poor healthcare outcomes. The emphasis on curative rather than preventive care results in poor hygiene and environmental sanitation, leading to the spread of diseases. For example, Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, is transmitted through rats and can be prevented through proper hygiene practices. Despite known seasonal patterns and clinical measures, the disease continues to affect many parts of the country annually.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that Lassa fever cases and deaths had spread to 18 states and 67 LGAs, with five states accounting for over 80% of confirmed cases. The latest figures indicate 413 cases and 80 deaths. Systemic arrangements must be made to educate people on the dangers of poor hygiene, particularly in high-risk areas. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) should be mobilized to undertake public enlightenment campaigns to combat the annual upsurge of Lassa Fever.
The APC’s recent convention would have been more valued by Nigerians if the government had taken steps to prevent deaths from Lassa Fever. Similarly, opposition parties would gain more appreciation if they focused on providing alternative suggestions for a healthier nation rather than just crying about marginalization. The political class must realize that serving humanity is more fulfilling than seeking comfort in leadership.
