SUV gifts: ADC, Utomi flay APC over alleged N1bn extravagance

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Pat Utomi, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), have criticised the distribution of luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leaders amid economic hardship.

The controversy followed a video posted by Dayo Israel, APC national youth leader, showing seven 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs presented for grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu confirmed she donated the vehicles to the party’s youth wing, but did not disclose their exact cost or funding arrangements.

In response, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the alleged distribution of seven luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs), estimated at N1 billion, to its youth leaders, and demanded disclosure of the funding source.

Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC national publicity secretary, said on Monday that the alleged gifts reflected a disconnect between the sacrifices Nigerians were making amid economic hardship and the privileges enjoyed by the ruling party’s political operatives.

“President Tinubu asks Nigerians to endure hardship while his party distributes luxury vehicles to its political operatives. Apparently, sacrifice is for ordinary Nigerians, while luxury is reserved for those working to keep the APC in power,” Abdullahi said in a statement.

The opposition party said it was particularly concerned that the vehicles were reportedly intended for grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election rather than initiatives addressing youth unemployment and economic hardship.

“Seven APC youth leaders can receive luxury vehicles, but millions of young Nigerians are still waiting for the jobs, opportunities and economic relief they were promised. Is this the APC’s idea of youth empowerment?” it asked.

The ADC also demanded full disclosure of who financed the vehicles and whether public funds were involved.

“Nigerians deserve to know who paid for these vehicles. Until that question is answered, the ruling party cannot dismiss legitimate concerns about its priorities,” Abdullahi said.

Similarly, Prof Pat Utomi, an opposition figure, questioned the disparity between the vehicles and soldiers’ remuneration, saying, “Nigerian soldiers are being paid peanuts as salaries, yet an APC youth leader is flaunting SUVs worth billions of naira.”