Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for approving the purchase of a new presidential jet while millions of Nigerians struggle to access basic healthcare and essential services.

Speaking during an interview on Sunday Politics, Obi described the move as wasteful and insensitive, especially in a country where many primary health centres remain non-functional.

“If I become president, I will use our resources effectively. I cannot buy a new jet — I don’t need one because you can travel anywhere without it,” Obi stated. “I will not spend ₦150 billion on a jet when 80% of our primary health centres are not functioning.”

Addressing concerns over presidential security without a private jet, Obi referenced his time as governor of Anambra State, noting that he never relied on luxury or bulletproof vehicles for protection.

“I was a governor. For my first four years, I drove a Peugeot 406. Even afterwards, I never used bulletproof cars,” he said. “Nobody will decide to kill you if you’re doing the right thing. It’s when you do the wrong thing that you start fearing death.”

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Obi further argued that material acquisitions such as private jets or armoured cars do not solve the country’s deep-rooted security challenges. He stressed that true leadership requires personal sacrifice and empathy for the suffering masses.

“If your people are dying, you should be ready to die,” he declared.

Taking a broader swipe at the current administration, Obi accused President Tinubu’s government of lacking compassion and emotional connection with ordinary Nigerians.

“Today, we have a country without compassion. Leadership without compassion doesn’t exist; it is a minus, and it’s not good for a country,” he said. “People want to wake up and see a president who cares — a president who shows compassion.”

The remarks come amid growing public outcry over economic hardship, rising inflation, and perceived government insensitivity to the daily struggles of citizens.