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By Myke Agunwa
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s government for allegedly distributing Hilux trucks, Hummer buses, and other luxury vehicles as part of early preparations for the 2027 general election, even though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to release timetable for the commencement of political campaigns.
It was reported that President Bola Tinubu during the week, presented a set of luxury vehicles including brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep, Toyota Hilux, and Hummer buses to state coordinators of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group is a nationwide campaign network spearheaded and fully coordinated by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.
In a statement issued on Thursday on his X handle, Obi described the situation as a “tragic misplacement of priorities” by a government that should focus on addressing hunger, unemployment, rising school drop-out rates, and widespread insecurity.
According to him, it is disturbing that at a time when Nigerians are battling severe economic hardship, the government is channelling scarce public resources into political mobilisation instead of meeting urgent social needs.
“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 represents a serious moral failure,” Obi said.
He argued that the early distribution of vehicles, coming even before INEC has set the campaign calendar, raises concerns about reckless spending and abuse of public funds ahead of the next election cycle.
He went further to say that it is unacceptable that while ordinary Nigerians are grappling with poverty and hopelessness, political leaders are parading brand-new Land Cruisers and Hummer buses “as though the suffering of the people is mere background for political theatrics.”
The former Anambra governor lamented that many families can no longer feed themselves, pay school fees, or access basic healthcare, while the administration continues to invest in political luxuries instead of governance.
“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 said.
Obi added that such actions “reflect profound insensitivity and abuse of public trust disguised as political strategy,” insisting that public service must prioritise empathy, accountability, and prudent use of resources.
He said Nigeria cannot continue on a path of wastefulness and warned that leadership focused on flashy political showmanship rather than human welfare cannot deliver national progress.
He expressed optimism that “Regardless of how bleak the situation may appear today, I firmly believe that a New Nigeria is not only necessary; it is possible.”