Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed deep concern on the lack of ambulance to attend to the British–Nigerian former heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, who experienced the tragic road accident along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, an incident that left two of Joshua’s close associates dead and reignited debate over Nigeria’s emergency response systems.
The accident, which occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, involved a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and four other occupants. According to authorities and reports, the vehicle crashed into a stationary truck while attempting an overtaking manoeuvre at excessive speed, killing two men on the spot and leaving others injured.
Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for observation, where officials confirmed he was in stable condition and did not require emergency surgery.
In a social media post reacting to the crash, Peter Obi conveyed his sympathy to Anthony Joshua and the families of those who lost their lives, but also used the moment to highlight broader systemic issues in Nigeria’s emergency response infrastructure. According to his statement, “many of us are also compelled to reflect on reports that no ambulance was readily available to convey him to the hospital,” a point that Obi said underscored the urgent need for better public health readiness on major transport corridors.
He prayed for Joshua’s speedy recovery and lamented the deaths of his two friends in what has been described as a devastating crash for the fallen athletes and their team.
Obi’s comments have sparked public discourse and controversy, with some Nigerians agreeing with his call for improved emergency care and others criticising him for politicising the tragedy.
