ATIKU CONDEMNS REPORTED SUV GIFTS TO APC YOUTH LEADERS AMID ECONOMIC HARDSHIP
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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the reported distribution of luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leaders, describing the move as an insult to Nigerians battling hunger and rising living costs.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, called on President Bola Tinubu and the Presidency to disclose the source of funding for the vehicles, reportedly 2026 models valued at more than N150m each.
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In a statement issued on Monday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku questioned the reported donation of the vehicles by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, insisting that Nigerians deserved to know who financed the distribution.
“The APC National Youth Leader says these vehicles were donated by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. Nigerians deserve to know where the money came from to buy and distribute so many 2026 model SUVs, each worth more than N150 million, for political mobilisation,” he said.
The former vice-president asked whether the vehicles were purchased with the First Lady’s personal funds, private donations or public resources. He also demanded that the Presidency disclose the total cost of the vehicles and identify the source of the funding.
Atiku argued that the reported distribution was inappropriate at a time when many Nigerians were struggling to afford food, transportation and other essential needs.
He said the government’s alleged provision of luxury vehicles for party youth leaders contrasted sharply with the economic difficulties facing millions of citizens.
The ADC candidate also questioned the timing of the reported distribution, alleging that APC women leaders had previously received luxury vehicles shortly before the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State.
According to him, the latest reports had raised further concerns about the administration’s spending priorities amid persistent economic hardship and insecurity.
Atiku maintained that the Presidency should explain how the vehicles were funded, particularly as Nigerians continued to demand accountability for savings from the removal of the fuel subsidy.
He said that if the vehicles were privately funded, the source of the money should be disclosed, adding that any use of public resources would require clarification on who authorised the expenditure and the legal basis for it.
The former vice-president further alleged that the reported distribution raised concerns about the use of wealth and public resources to secure political loyalty.
He also criticised what he described as displays of privilege among individuals associated with the President, citing reports that the APC National Youth Leader travelled by private jet.
Atiku extended his criticism to the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, referring to widely circulated photographs purportedly showing him wearing a Richard Mille RM 67-02 Sébastien Ogier wristwatch reportedly valued at about $500,000.
He argued that such displays of wealth were insensitive at a time when Nigerians were contending with hunger, insecurity and unemployment.
The ADC presidential candidate questioned why ordinary citizens continued to endure economic hardship while individuals close to the administration allegedly enjoyed lavish privileges.
“Nigerians need answers, not another display of wealth for political mobilisation,” he said.
Atiku pledged that if elected president, his administration would investigate any public funds found to have been illegally spent and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.
“When I am sworn in as president, every naira found to have been spent illegally will be thoroughly investigated, and everyone found culpable will be brought to justice,” he said.
He added, “Tinubu made life difficult. I will make life affordable again.”
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