Former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate greater compassion towards Nigerians, especially amid widespread economic hardship.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Obi emphasised that the presidency demands empathy and sacrifice, not luxury or detachment from the people.
“The office of the Nigerian president requires sacrifice and compassion, not detachment, luxury, or fear,” Obi stated.
He accused the Tinubu-led administration of being out of touch with the realities facing ordinary citizens, stressing that government policies must be rooted in understanding and addressing the everyday struggles of Nigerians.
He said, ”If I become president, I will use resources effectively. I cannot say, ‘buy a new jet.
“I don’t need one because I can go anywhere without a jet.
“I will not use N150 billion to buy a jet when 80 per cent of primary healthcare centres are not functioning.”
The former Anambra State governor said his time in office was marked by modest living and responsible governance.
“I was a governor, and for my first four years, I drove 406. For the rest of it, I didn’t drive bulletproof cars.
“Nobody will try to kill you if you do the right thing. It is when you do the wrong thing that you fear death.
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“If your people are dying, you should be ready to die. The president should also be ready to die,” Obi said.
The former governor faulted Tinubu’s response to major tragedies in 2024, including the stampede at a Christmas party in Ibadan, Oyo State, which led to the death of several children.
According to him, Tinubu opted to remain in Lagos for the holidays instead of visiting grieving families.
“There is no compassion; people lost their children who will lead this country in the future, and he went on a Christmas holiday,” he said.
He also criticised Tinubu for failing to visit Yelwata in Benue State, where suspected herdsmen attacked and displaced thousands.
Obi said, ”People want to get up and see a president that cares, a president that shows compassion.
“Today we have a country without compassion. Leadership without compassion is a minus. It is not good for a country.”