Are Presidential Candidates Fit for Office? A Look Ahead to 2027

As Nigeria gets ready for the 2027 presidential election, many are talking about who is qualified, their past actions, and their honesty.

But there is another important question: Are those running for the presidency healthy enough to handle the heavy responsibilities that come with the job?

This is not about age, disability, or any illness that carries a stigma. It is about ability, honesty, and national security.

The 1999 Constitution does not require presidential candidates to have medical checks. But it does acknowledge that health problems can affect someone’s ability to serve. Section 137 talks about mental incapacity, while Section 144 explains how to determine if a sitting President or Vice-President can no longer perform their duties due to health issues.

If the Constitution sees health issues as serious enough to possibly remove a sitting president, Nigerians can rightfully ask why there is no proper way to check the health of presidential candidates before they are elected.

Nigeria’s experience during the Buhari years showed how the illness of a president, long medical leaves, and lack of information can lead to public worry and political problems.

We should learn from that experience.

The answer to questions about a candidate’s health is not more guessing. It is a proper medical check by professionals.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is running for another term, and there have been many discussions about his health. Even Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, mentioned this in a recent interview. But this should not only focus on Tinubu.

If Tinubu is healthy, let a separate panel confirm it. If Atiku Abubakar is healthy, let the same panel confirm that. If Peter Obi is healthy, the same rules should apply. Every presidential candidate should go through the same process.

Being medically fit does not mean being in perfect health. Someone can have a long-term condition or disability and still be fully capable of being President.

The main question is clear: Is the candidate healthy enough to effectively do the job of the presidency?

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) should lead this important conversation. They have pushed for medical and mental health checks for presidential and governorship candidates before. A qualified independent panel could set the standards, carry out the checks, and give a professional health certificate while respecting privacy.

The presidency is not just any job. The President is in charge of the Armed Forces and has a huge role in national security, foreign relations, and running the Federal Government.

Presidential health can become a national security issue when it affects the ability to perform these duties.

The opposition should demand a standard, not a diagnosis. Politicians should not try to diagnose candidates based on pictures, speeches, or social media videos. Let qualified medical experts decide if someone is fit.

Nigeria has spent a lot of time asking if presidential candidates are legally qualified, popular, or can win votes.

We should also ask if they are healthy enough to do the job.

Independent medical checks. Equal standards. Professional certification. Clear information.

We need to set these rules before the 2027 election, not after another health issue becomes a national crisis.