Politics
Peter Obi Goes Against New Jet for VP, Urges Leaders to Focus on Nigeria’s Struggles
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised concerns about the recent suggestion that the Vice President should receive a new official aircraft due to safety issues reported with the current one.
In a statement, Obi criticized the proposal, calling it “insensitive” to the pressing challenges Nigeria faces.
He pointed out that, given the current economic hardships, prioritizing a new jet for the Vice President appears to overlook the greater issues plaguing the country.
According to Obi, Nigeria’s situation is dire: the nation ranks among the eleven worst-governed African countries of the past decade, and it’s also counted among the world’s twenty most hunger-stricken nations.
He emphasized the “extreme hunger and poverty” faced by millions of Nigerians daily, with the country currently holding the unfortunate title of the world’s poverty capital.
Per capita income, which fell from $1,700 in 2023 to $1,109 this year, only underscores the economic strain on Nigerians, who are dealing with rising costs and limited income opportunities.
Beyond the poverty statistics, Obi highlighted the instability of the national electricity grid, which has collapsed eight times this year alone and 105 times over the past decade.
This ongoing instability continues to affect both households and small businesses, deepening losses and increasing the challenges in an already strained economy.
Businesses in Nigeria have been shutting down or struggling to survive in this harsh environment, with many unable to withstand the burdens of high operating costs and unreliable infrastructure.
Given these issues, Obi questioned the need for new luxury acquisitions, arguing that the country’s leadership should instead focus on addressing the needs of the people.
He pointed out that Indonesia, a nation with consistently strong economic growth of over 6% annually for the past decade, waited until 2014 to acquire a single presidential jet.
Even then, it’s shared between the President and Vice President, with the latter frequently flying on the national airline, Garuda Indonesia, for official duties.
Obi urged Nigerian leaders to adopt a similar approach, suggesting that any official travel should be limited to essential and contributory trips.
Instead of focusing on luxury, he called on leaders to take a closer look at the issues affecting the everyday lives of Nigerians.
“It’s time to sit down and find solutions to our litany of challenges,” Obi said, stressing the importance of a selfless and committed approach to leadership for the nation’s wellbeing.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has confirmed he will continue to run under the Labour Party banner for the 2027 elections. In a video shared on social media, Obi told supporters, “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party.”
Obi also blamed ongoing political party crises on the Nigerian government. He explained that these problems are not new but are deliberately caused by the system to weaken opposition. He recalled a similar issue during President Yar’Adua’s time when he personally intervened to resolve disputes involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Today, all parties face problems, and these are created by the system. This is what I want to fix if given the chance,” Obi said. “A strong opposition is key to a functioning democracy.” The former Anambra governor emphasized that Nigerians must take responsibility to ensure free and fair elections.
Obi’s announcement comes as he works alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai to build an opposition coalition. This coalition aims to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s bid for reelection in 2027. El-Rufai recently confirmed that the group’s goal is to prevent Tinubu from securing a second term and send him back to Lagos.
The Progressive Governors’ Forum has pledged full support to ensure President Bola Tinubu secures a second term in office. Speaking at the APC National Summit in Abuja, the forum’s chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, urged his fellow governors to take firm control of politics in their states and work to secure victories for the party across all levels.
Uzodimma emphasized that a united and active effort by APC governors will pave the way for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. He also acknowledged the public backing Tinubu has received from APC governors in the North, calling it a strong step toward solidifying the president’s position as the party’s next flag bearer.
According to him, APC governors must promote federal government policies and dominate their political spaces to ensure success in the next general elections. Uzodimma closed his remarks by formally calling on the summit to adopt the position of the Progressive Governors’ Forum in endorsing Tinubu for a second term and committing to deliver that mandate.
The Senate Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced its readiness to lead a wide political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite the party’s ongoing internal disputes. Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Senate Minority Leader Comrade Abba Moro assured supporters that the PDP will overcome its current challenges and come back stronger.
Moro emphasized that internal conflicts are not unique to the PDP. He pointed out that other major parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), are also facing similar struggles. He told journalists, “Despite claims that the PDP is falling apart, the party will rise again and grow even stronger.” Moro encouraged members nationwide to stay committed and loyal, adding that the party’s leadership is planning activities to revitalize the PDP and position it as a strong competitor in future elections.
The caucus also warned against celebrating the weakening of opposition parties, saying such attitudes threaten Nigeria’s democracy by pushing the country towards a one-party system. “Democracy thrives when opposition parties hold the ruling party accountable. Celebrating the decline of other parties does not help democracy,” Moro said.
On the idea of forming a political coalition, the caucus expressed support but stressed it must come from the party itself and not from personal ambitions. Moro noted that as Nigeria’s largest opposition party, the PDP is best placed to lead any coalition efforts. He said, “The PDP’s umbrella is large enough to welcome anyone interested in a coalition. If a coalition is necessary, it should be led by the PDP.”
The caucus concluded by reaffirming the PDP’s strong national presence and its ability to bounce back from current difficulties. “The PDP is a major political force. From today’s challenges, a renewed and energetic party will emerge, ready to offer Nigerians a real alternative,” Moro stated.
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