The 2023 Presidential candidate for the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has spoken out against the planned demolition of about 200 houses in the Nuwalege community of Abuja to make way for the expansion of the presidential fleet.

In a statement on Thursday via his X account, Obi said he was “shocked” and “pained” by the news of the demolitions, calling the move “inconsiderate” given the current economic hardship facing most Nigerians.

“I am again pained that we are embarking on such an inconsiderate project at this critical time when the country is going through untold hardship,” Obi said. “A country where the World Bank announced that over 100 million citizens are being pushed into poverty should not at this time be sending hundreds of people into homelessness to accommodate the Presidential fleet of luxury aircraft.”

Obi argued that instead of expanding the presidential fleet, the government should be looking for ways to reduce or eliminate it to cut costs.

“We cannot continue to encourage those who have kept us suffering to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle far beyond our legitimate means,” he said. “A democratically elected people-oriented government must always care for the people, above itself.”

The presidential candidate urged the government to reconsider the demolitions and focus instead on policies that would alleviate the suffering of poor Nigerians.

“I, therefore, advise that we have a rethink, and, most importantly, ensure that our fellow Nigerians are not rendered homeless for the sake of an unproductive presidential fleet,” Obi stated. “We should rather focus on helping the people and developing our critical sectors for the sake of our national peace, progress and development.”

Obi emphasised that no country can truly grow when its leaders prioritise their extravagances over the welfare of their people.

“No nation grows or develops by subjecting the people to avoidable inconveniences to accommodate the luxurious excesses of its rulers,” he said.