Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu's administration. He condemned the reported distribution of luxury vehicles for political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, labelling it a display of "profound insensitivity" towards suffering Nigerians.
A Campaign Gift Amidst National Hardship
The controversy stems from a report by an online newspaper. It stated that on Monday, December 1, state coordinators for a new political group, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, received brand-new vehicles in Abuja. The presentation, reportedly coordinated by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, included a Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep, a Toyota Hilux, and a Hummer bus for each coordinator.
According to sources, the event also involved instructions on funding for the upcoming 2027 presidential campaign. The group is described as a nationwide campaign network spearheading mobilisation efforts for the next election cycle.
Obi's Condemnation: "A Serious Moral Failure"
In his reaction, Peter Obi framed the government's action as a severe misplacement of priorities. He argued that it occurs while the nation faces multiple crises, including worsening insecurity, rampant kidnappings, and the displacement of thousands of families.
"At a time when Nigerians are struggling with hunger, unemployment, and insecurity, the decision of any government to allocate limited public resources for distributing luxury vehicles... is not only insensitive but also represents a serious moral failure," Obi stated.
He painted a stark contrast between the plight of ordinary citizens and the actions of the political class. "While ordinary Nigerians are grappling with poverty and hopelessness, those in leadership positions continue to flaunt their wealth... treating the suffering of the people as mere background for political theatrics," he added.
Questioning Governance and Public Trust
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, expanded his criticism to question the very essence of governance under the current administration. He highlighted critical social issues being neglected, such as children dropping out of school due to unaffordable fees and mothers dying from a lack of basic medical supplies.
"This is not governance," he asserted. "It reflects a profound insensitivity and an abuse of public trust disguised as a political strategy. It betrays the essence of public service, which should always be about serving the people rather than staging political publicity."
The opposition figure emphasised that Nigerian citizens deserve leadership grounded in empathy, prudence, and accountability. He warned that the country cannot continue on a path of wastefulness and misplaced priorities, especially during a period of severe economic hardship for the masses.
In a related political development, Obi also commented on the state of opposition coalitions. He noted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition remains shaky ahead of 2027, with unresolved questions on zoning and the rotation of key offices. He urged the coalition to resolve these internal issues to present a viable alternative direction for the country.
