Peter Obi, former Anambra Governor and Labour Party chieftain, says he would not buy a new jet if he is Nigerian president, adding the president should be ready to die when citizens are dying.

In an interview with Channels TV aired on Sunday, Mr Obi condemned the purchase of a presidential jet amid economic hardship and a dysfunctional healthcare system.

“I cannot buy a new jet. I don’t need one. You don’t need one because you can go anywhere with it. I will not need a new jet. I will not use N150 billion to buy a jet when 80% of our primary healthcare centers are not functioning,” Mr Obi said.

Asked about the security implications of him flying a commercial plane, Mr Obi dismissed the security protocol as nonsense, citing how he drove a non-bullet proof car as governor of Anambra State.

“Which security? That’s the nonsense they tell. I was a governor for four years. I drove a 406. For the rest of it, I didn’t drive a bullet proof car. Nobody decided to kill me for doing the right thing. It is when you do the wrong thing you fear about death,” Mr Obi said.

He added, “Forget all those things. If your people are dying, you should be ready to die. That’s the job you chose. Otherwise you go back to your house and live quietly. The president should be ready to die if your people are dying.”