Peter Obi Condemns Distribution Of Tinubu Campaign Vehicles, Says It’s ‘Profound Insensitivity’

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as the “profound insensitivity and abuse of public trust” by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for distributing luxury vehicles as part of early campaign mobilisation for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement shared on his X handle on Thursday, Obi said the move represented a “serious moral failure” at a time when most Nigerians are battling hunger, unemployment, and insecurity.

“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 like Hilux trucks and Hummer buses as part of the 2027 campaign mobilisation is not only insensitive but also represents a serious moral failure,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor lamented that public officials continued to display affluence while ordinary citizens endure worsening hardship.

“While ordinary Nigerians are grappling with poverty and hopelessness, those in leadership positions continue to flaunt their wealth by driving brand-new Land Cruisers, Hiluxes, and Hummers, treating the suffering of the people as mere background for political theatrics,” he wrote.

Describing the action as a “tragic misplacement of priorities,” Obi urged leaders to redirect focus toward addressing the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges.

“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. It should not be about parading luxury vehicles or campaigning for votes,” he added.

The former governor decried what he called the “governance of extravagance,” saying it contrasts sharply with the realities faced by struggling Nigerians.

“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 rather than urgently addressing the needs of the people,” Obi stated.

He warned that such acts amount to a betrayal of public trust and a distortion of the true meaning of governance.

“This is not governance. 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,” Obi said.

Reiterating his message of reform and responsible governance, Obi emphasised the need for empathy, prudence, and accountability in leadership.

“At times like this, we must recognise that Nigeria cannot continue on a path of wastefulness, insensitivity, and misplaced priorities. Our citizens deserve leadership grounded in empathy, prudence, and accountability. Regardless of how bleak the situation may appear today, I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is not only necessary; it is POssible,” he concluded.