Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi criticized President Bola Tinubu on January 7, 2026, for wasting ₦300 billion on presidential jets that could have constructed 4,000 hospitals across Nigeria. Obi highlighted the extravagant spending amid healthcare deficits, noting a standard ambulance costs ₦150 million while millions lack basic facilities.
Nigeria spent N26.38 billion maintaining the Presidential Air Fleet in Tinubu's first 18 months, including major 2024 payouts like N5.08 billion in April, driven by naira devaluation and diverse aircraft needs from Gulfstream to Boeing. Obi contrasts this with Buhari-era N81.8 billion over seven years, fueling austerity hypocrisy accusations.
The LP flagbearer argued the jet funds represent fiscal recklessness when redirected could equip primary healthcare under his governance model, echoing past critiques of $100 million Airbus purchases amid 40% poverty. Aviation experts like John Ojukutu call the 10-aircraft fleet excessive, recommending cuts to four.
Obi's attack amplifies 2027 election debates as INEC resumes voter registration, mirroring Wike's Tinubu mobilization and PDP factionalism, while insecurity like Kaduna abductions underscores misplaced priorities. Public outrage grows over debt servicing outpacing infrastructure.