Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and a presidential hopeful, has expressed that being the president of Nigeria should not be about enjoying power or luxury, but about caring deeply for the people and being ready to make sacrifices for them. In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, he emphasized that true leadership requires compassion and responsibility.

During the interview, Obi criticized the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu. He accused the government of showing little concern for the hardship many Nigerians face. According to him, there’s a lack of empathy from those in power, and leaders should connect with the people’s struggles rather than remain distant.

Obi made it clear that he would not waste public funds on things that are not essential. He said he would never approve the purchase of a new jet for himself if he becomes president. In his words, it makes no sense to spend N150 billion on a jet when 80 percent of primary healthcare centers in Nigeria are not functioning properly. He explained that he doesn’t need a jet because he can travel without one and prefers to use resources in ways that directly benefit the public.

He shared how he lived a simple life when he was governor. Obi said he drove a Peugeot 406 during his first four years in office and never used bulletproof cars. He believes that when a leader does the right thing, there’s no reason to fear for one’s life. He added that the fear of being attacked only comes when leaders act wrongly.

Obi concluded by saying that a real president must be willing to give everything, including their life, for the people. If citizens are dying, the president should be ready to die too. He believes that leadership is about serving others, not serving oneself.