Presidential candidate Peter Obi has declared that Nigeria’s highest office demands servant-leadership rather than luxury, sharply criticising the Tinubu administration’s spending priorities during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.
The former Anambra governor framed the presidency as a sacred trust requiring empathy and sacrifice, contrasting this vision with what he described as the current government’s disconnect from citizens’ hardships.
“The president’s office isn’t about privilege but responsibility,” Obi stated. “You can’t justify spending N150 billion on new presidential jets when 80% of our primary healthcare centres lie in ruins.”
Obi pledged to break from what he termed “wasteful governance,” vowing: “As president, I won’t acquire luxury jets when commercial flights suffice. Resources must serve pressing needs first.” He revealed that during his eight-year gubernatorial tenure, he deliberately modelled austerity, driving a Peugeot 406 for four years and rejecting bulletproof vehicles.
“True leaders don’t need armoured cars when they govern justly,” the Labour Party stalwart asserted. “If your people are suffering, you should share their vulnerability. A president must be prepared to face the same risks as ordinary citizens.”
The remarks come amid growing public discontent over government expenditures, including the controversial plan to purchase new aircraft for the presidential fleet while inflation and healthcare deficits plague the nation. Obi positioned his critique as part of broader advocacy for accountable governance, urging leaders to “live like those they serve” during Nigeria’s economic crisis.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
