Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has emphasized that being Nigeria’s president is a responsibility that requires compassion, not indifference.
Speaking on the Sunday Politics programme, Obi stated that a president must be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice if their people are suffering or dying.
“If I become president, I will use resources responsibly. I cannot justify buying a new jet,” Obi said, criticizing the Bola Tinubu administration for its perceived lack of empathy toward Nigerians’ struggles.
“I don’t need a jet because I can travel anywhere without one. Spending ₦150 billion on a jet when 80% of primary healthcare centres are non-functional is unacceptable.”
Obi recounted his experience as governor of Anambra State, explaining that during his first four years, he drove a regular car, not a bulletproof vehicle.
“No one will try to kill you if you do the right thing. It’s when you do wrong that you fear for your life. If your people are dying, you must be ready to die too. The president must be prepared to make that sacrifice,” he said.
The former governor also criticized President Tinubu for what he described as insensitivity to national tragedies. Obi highlighted Tinubu’s decision to spend Christmas 2024 on holiday in Lagos instead of visiting Ibadan, where several children died in a stampede at a Christmas party.
“There was no compassion. People lost children—our future leaders—and he chose to go on holiday,” Obi said.
He further condemned Tinubu’s response to the attacks in Benue State, pointing out that while the president visited the state, he did not reach Yelwata, the community most affected by violence from suspected herdsmen. Tinubu had cited bad roads and flooding as reasons for not visiting the area.
