Obi not hospitalised, spokesman dismisses viral gym injury report

The camp of the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed a viral report and photographs circulating on social media claiming that the former Anambra State governor was hospitalised after breaking his neck in a gym.

Obi’s spokesman, Idris Zekeri, described the report as false in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, accusing the candidate’s political detractors of fabricating the story to score cheap political points ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

When contacted by telephone to clarify the report, he laughed wildly before dismissing it as a malicious attempt to spread misinformation about his principal.

Zekeri described the images circulating on social media platforms as doctored fabrications, insisting that Obi was in good health.

He said, “There is zero iota of truth in that rumour. No such thing happened. I was with His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, at about 7 am today (Sunday) when he got on a flight for an international engagement.

“But I can assure you that he is safe, sound and in the finest state of health, mind, body, soul and spirit. He is ready to continue to engage with Nigerians as we prepare to kick out the faceless and lying APC.

“What you witnessed is a product of these guys who are desperately looking for lies to tell every day, having failed spectacularly to deliver on the mandate that they “grabbed, snatched and ran” away with from Nigerians.

“But we are not perturbed. Mr Peter Obi is in sound health of mind and body. We are not worried about it,” he said.

When asked about Obi’s destination, the spokesman declined to disclose details, saying he had not been authorised to make them public.

“I have not been cleared to release such details. That’s also because it is a long-haul flight. As I am talking to you, I am sure he is still on that flight, which I believe should be 16 hours,” he added.

The development comes as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general election, with social media increasingly serving as a platform for political messaging, claims and counterclaims.