In the aftermath of the 2023 presidential election, Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party, has raised objections to President Tinubu’s extravagant motorcade during his recent visit to Lagos. Obi, along with former vice president Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is currently challenging Tinubu’s victory in court, alleging electoral irregularities.

President Tinubu, who was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in February, received a hero’s welcome upon his return to Lagos, a state he governed from 1999 to 2007. However, the president’s visit has come under scrutiny due to the extensive motorcade that accompanied him to his new private residence.

Critics have expressed dismay over the sight of multiple SUVs speeding ahead and behind Tinubu’s car, especially considering the ongoing concerns of the Nigerian public regarding the recent increase in petrol prices. Tinubu had announced the removal of fuel subsidies in his inaugural presidential speech, which further exacerbated the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.

Responding to the criticism, Tinubu’s aide on digital media, Olusegun Dada, defended the motorcade, stating that the official vehicles of the president and his principal aides constituted less than 10% of the total motorcade. 

“The other vehicles in the Presidential motorcade belong to Several State Governors, heads of all security agencies, Party Leaders and political associates of the President who were all at the airport to receive him,” Dada said.

However, amidst the wave of criticism, Obi, who had refrained from addressing Tinubu as president since his inauguration, made a statement on social media. Initially, Obi mentioned that he had not seen a video allegedly showing President Tinubu with a convoy of about 120 cars. However, he later deleted the tweet and replaced it with a message emphasizing the need for leaders to lead by example in addressing the suffering of the Nigerian people.

“We cannot continue to preach for the people to sacrifice without sacrificing ourselves,” Obi tweeted. “The sacrifices must now start from the leaders, visibly and measurably at all times because the people are suffering. We must now take the lead in addressing their suffering.”

As the legal battle challenging Tinubu’s victory unfolds in court, the controversy surrounding the president’s motorcade serves as a reminder of the heightened tensions and deep divisions within Nigerian politics. The outcome of the court case will determine the legitimacy of Tinubu’s presidency and its impact on the nation’s political landscape.