Sowore Blasts Indian Hospital Over Advert Featuring Abdulsalami Abubakar

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, following the circulation of footage reportedly showing the former leader being featured in an advertisement by an Indian hospital.

Abubakar reportedly travelled to India for knee surgery, with footage from his visit subsequently appearing in promotional material for the hospital.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Sowore described the development as a reflection of what he considers decades of poor leadership and neglect of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

In a post on his X account, Sowore argued that Nigerian leaders who had opportunities to develop world-class healthcare facilities in the country should not have to seek medical treatment abroad later in life.

He questioned why former leaders would travel outside Nigeria for medical care after serving in positions where, according to him, they had the opportunity to strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Sowore also extended his criticism to the current administration, making reference to President Bola Tinubu and suggesting that a hospital in France could eventually feature the Nigerian president in similar promotional material.

He described the situation as what he considered a “tragic indictment” of the country’s leadership and healthcare system.

The comments have generated discussion online, particularly over the long-running issue of Nigerians, including prominent public figures, seeking specialised medical treatment abroad.

However, the circumstances surrounding the use of Abubakar’s footage in the hospital advertisement, including whether formal permission was obtained for its use, have not been independently established in the reports reviewed.

Sowore’s comments come amid renewed public debate over Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure and the practice of political leaders seeking medical treatment outside the country.