Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the alleged distribution of luxury vehicles by the Tinubu led administration as part of early mobilisation for the 2027 elections, describing the action as a reckless display of insensitivity at a time Nigerians are battling severe economic hardship.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his X handle on Thursday, Obi said it was “a profound moral failure” for any government to channel scarce public funds into purchasing expensive Hilux trucks and Hummer buses while citizens are struggling to feed and secure their families.
He said:
“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 noted that ordinary citizens are drowning in poverty while political leaders continue to parade wealth with brand-new Land Cruisers and other high-end vehicles, “treating the suffering of the people as mere background for political theatrics.”
He added:
“This tragic misplacement of priorities is unacceptable.”
The former Anambra governor argued that leadership in a period of national hardship should be centred on saving lives and restoring hope, not staging political displays with luxury assets.
“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 said.
Obi stressed that Nigeria’s crisis is deepening—children dropping out of school due to rising fees, women dying in childbirth for lack of basic medical care, and insecurity devastating entire communities—yet leaders appear detached from the pain of the people.
“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.”
He described the move as “not governance”, but “a profound insensitivity and an abuse of public trust disguised as political strategy.”
Obi insisted that Nigeria must break free from wastefulness and misplaced priorities if it hopes to rebuild.
“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.