Lagos, Nigeria July 20, 2025
In a sudden and alarming development, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former Governor of Kano State and current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been flown to a hospital in London following a critical health emergency. The news, first reported on social media platform X by Sir Engr. A.Y. Rafindadi, has sparked widespread concern while reigniting debates over Nigeria’s healthcare system and the political elite’s ongoing reliance on foreign medical care.
Health Crisis and Emergency Response
According to the initial post, which included an image of Ganduje appearing visibly unwell, the 76-year-old politician was rushed to the emergency department of a specialist hospital in London earlier today. While details of his medical condition remain undisclosed, the gravity of the situation prompted calls for prayers from supporters. “He is in need of our prayers 🙏🏼,” Rafindadi posted — a sentiment quickly echoed by others on the platform.
Ganduje’s transfer to London reflects a well-established pattern among Nigeria’s political and economic elites. A 2021 World Bank report estimated that Nigeria spends over $1 billion annually on medical tourism, with London, India, and the United States remaining preferred destinations due to Nigeria’s inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The news has triggered mixed reactions across social media platforms. While some expressed sympathy and called for Ganduje’s swift recovery, others voiced frustration over yet another example of political leaders neglecting the country’s healthcare systems only to seek treatment abroad when personally affected.
“After 8 years as governor of a rich state like Kano, he couldn’t build a world-standard hospital? Now he’s running to London,” wrote @Boss_Blawd, reflecting a sentiment shared by many. Another user, @diepole, remarked, “Why always London… why not rush him to a nearby hospital in his local government?”
Such criticism is intensified by Ganduje’s political history. His recent resignation from the APC chairmanship, followed by his appointment as chairman of an aviation agency board, is viewed by some as prioritizing political relevance over meaningful contributions to public welfare—even amid his health crisis.
Nigeria’s Medical Tourism Dilemma
Nigeria’s reliance on medical tourism remains a stark indictment of its healthcare system. According to the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI), over 100,000 Nigerians seek medical treatment abroad annually. India alone receives approximately 500 Nigerian medical tourists each month.
Despite legislative efforts like Kano’s 2023 Free Maternal and Child Healthcare (FMNCH) Bill—the first of its kind in Nigeria—chronic problems persist, including decaying infrastructure, severe understaffing, and budgetary shortfalls. A February 2025 HumAngle report emphasized that only 35% of hospitals in Kano meet basic emergency care standards, a shortfall critics argue Ganduje did little to address during his tenure.
Cultural and Ethical Dimensions
The call for prayers has also reignited debates about the intersection of public health and religion. While many offer spiritual support, others point to Ganduje’s controversial political legacy—including allegations linked to the infamous “Gandollar” scandal—as reason for public skepticism. A 2020 Journal of Medical Ethics study noted that public reactions to the health crises of political figures often reflect broader societal judgments on their governance.
Looking Ahead
As of 07:49 PM WAT on July 20, 2025, neither Ganduje’s family, the APC, nor the Nigerian government has released an official statement on his condition. The situation underscores ongoing concerns over Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system and highlights the widening gap between the privileges enjoyed by political leaders and the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
