Sowore knocks Abdulsalami over appearance in Indian hospital advert
Presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has reacted to a trending video showing former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), in an advertisement for an Indian hospital where he reportedly underwent knee surgery.
The video, which has generated reactions on social media, featured footage from Abdulsalami’s visit to the hospital and was reportedly incorporated into a promotional advert by the medical facility.
Reacting to the development, Sowore described the situation as a “tragic indictment of failed leadership,” arguing that Nigerian leaders who had the opportunity to develop the country’s healthcare sector continue to seek medical treatment abroad.
According to him, “Abdulsalami failed to help build a world-class healthcare system in Nigeria during his time in office but now relies on foreign medical institutions for treatment in old age.”
Sowore’s comments have reignited conversations about medical tourism among Nigerian political leaders and public officials, a longstanding issue that has attracted criticism from citizens and civil society groups.
The former military ruler, who headed Nigeria’s government between 1998 and 1999, has previously received medical treatment abroad for a knee-related condition.