Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the alleged distribution of luxury vehicles reportedly linked to a political mobilisation effort ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi said the development shows a disturbing level of insensitivity at a time when Nigerians are battling severe economic hardship.
The former Anambra State governor reacted on Thursday following reports that President Bola Tinubu allegedly provided Toyota Land Cruisers, Hilux trucks and Hummer buses to state coordinators of a group known as the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.
The vehicles were said to have been shared as part of early mobilisation activities for the next general election.
Obi, in a statement posted on his X handle, described the act as a betrayal of public trust. He said it reflects priorities that are completely out of touch with the realities facing citizens.
According to him, millions of Nigerians can barely afford food, healthcare, or school fees, yet government-linked structures are allegedly being empowered with expensive vehicles for political purposes.
He argued that leadership should be defined by service, not by the display of wealth or power.
Obi stressed that the country is experiencing widespread hunger, rising unemployment and deepening insecurity, making any form of luxury spending by the government unacceptable.
He noted that ordinary people are overwhelmed by survival challenges while those in authority appear focused on political strategy and influence.
Obi said such actions are “a profound insensitivity” to the struggles of the population. He added that diverting scarce resources to campaign-related activities at a time like this amounts to moral failure.
The former Anambra governor maintained that leaders should prioritise job creation, security, poverty reduction and healthcare, instead of distributing high-end vehicles that add no value to citizens’ welfare.
He further stated that the alleged distribution undermines public confidence in governance.
According to him, it gives the impression that the suffering of Nigerians is being treated as a minor detail while political ambitions take centre stage.
Obi emphasised that the situation in the country requires compassion, discipline and accountability.
He said families are battling inflation, maternal health challenges and insecurity, yet the government continues to project wealth through political mobilisation platforms.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.