In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, which he shared on his official X handle, Obi said the decision reflects a troubling disconnect between political leaders and the harsh realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi has criticised the reported use of public funds to purchase and distribute luxury vehicles — including Hilux trucks and Hummer buses — for 2027 Tinubu campaign mobilisation, describing the move as “profoundly insensitive” and “an abuse of public trust.”
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, which he shared on his official X handle, Obi said the decision reflects a troubling disconnect between political leaders and the harsh realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
“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,” he said.
Obi argued that leaders should be directing scarce resources toward urgent social priorities rather than political pageantry.
“Leadership, especially in these challenging times, should focus on providing food for the hungry, ensuring access to healthcare for the sick, restoring hope for millions of unemployed youth, and securing our communities,” he said.
“It should not be about parading luxury vehicles or campaigning for votes.”
He noted that many Nigerians are dealing with deepening economic hardship while leaders continue to “flaunt their wealth by driving brand-new Land Cruisers, Hiluxes, and Hummers,” turning the suffering of citizens into “mere background for political theatrics.”
Obi highlighted the human cost of the country’s economic crisis, saying: “It is disheartening that, at a time when children are dropping out of school because their families cannot afford tuition fees, when mothers are dying during childbirth due to a lack of basic medical supplies, and when insecurity is tearing families apart, the response from those in power is to purchase and distribute luxury vehicles.”
He added that such actions “betray the essence of public service,” describing them as “a profound insensitivity and an abuse of public trust disguised as a political strategy.”
Calling for a shift in governance priorities, Obi said Nigerians deserve leaders who demonstrate empathy and accountability.
“Nigeria cannot continue on a path of wastefulness, insensitivity, and misplaced priorities,” he said.
“Our citizens deserve leadership grounded in prudence and responsibility.”
Despite the current challenges, Obi maintained optimism about the country’s future.
“Regardless of how bleak the situation may appear today, I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is not only necessary; it is possible,” he said.
https://x.com/PeterObi/status/
SaharaReporters previously reported that President Bola Tinubu presented a set of luxury vehicles — including a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep, a Toyota Hilux, and a Hummer bus — to each state coordinator of a new political mobilisation structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Multiple sources confirmed to SaharaReporters on Wednesday that the vehicles were handed over under the platform known as the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.
The group is a nationwide campaign network spearheaded and fully coordinated by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.
According to the sources, the presentation took place on Monday in Abuja, where state coordinators gathered to receive the vehicles and instructions regarding funding for the 2027 presidential campaign.
“Each of the states was told to contribute N1billion to the purse of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors for Asiwaju’s 2027 campaign,” one of the sources had said.
“Governor Uzodimma is the Director-General, and everything was done under his supervision."