Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in last year’s election, has urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide full disclosure on the newly acquired presidential jet and the status of the old ones being sold off.
Obi made this demand on Tuesday night via his X handle.
The controversy surrounding the jet purchase heightened after President Tinubu embarked on a working visit to France aboard the newly acquired Airbus A330 business jet on Monday.
The aircraft, typically used as a twin-aisle passenger plane, was purchased last month at a reported cost of $100 million and has since been registered with the Nigerian Air Force.
This jet is among three presidential aircraft recently seized by a French court in favour of the Chinese firm Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, due to a dispute with the Ogun State Government.
However, Zhongshan decided to release one of the aircraft as a goodwill gesture ahead of a scheduled meeting between President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Despite denials and conflicting reports regarding the acquisition, Obi emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparency regarding the cost, age, and operational history of the new jet. He also called for details on the disposal of the old jets, including their number, age, and reasons for sale.
Obi argued that transparency and accountability are essential for credible leadership, stating that the federal government stands to gain respect by providing adequate information to the public.
“A presidential jet is a major symbol of national sovereignty and state power. How much it costs to transport the president is a major issue of public accountability. I hope that Nigerians will not be denied the right of full disclosure on the new presidential jet,” Obi added.
