Atiku Demands Explanation Over Reported N150m SUVs for APC Youth Leaders

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has faulted the reported distribution of luxury SUVs to All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leaders, describing the move as insensitive to Nigerians facing hunger, unemployment and soaring living costs.

Atiku, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, has urged President Bola Tinubu and the Presidency to explain how the vehicles, reportedly 2026 models costing more than N150 million each, were financed.

The demand was contained in a statement released on Monday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.

Atiku questioned the reported claim that First Lady Oluremi Tinubu donated the vehicles, arguing that the public had a right to know the source of the funds used to purchase and distribute them.

“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.

He demanded clarification on whether the vehicles were bought with the First Lady’s personal money, donations or public funds, and called for the total cost to be made public.

“The First Lady holds no elected or executive office. She is only a domestic appendage of the office of President. Were these vehicles bought with her personal funds, donations or public resources? Who paid for them? What was the total cost? The Presidency must provide a clear account,” the former vice-president stated.

Atiku argued that the reported gifts were particularly troubling given the financial difficulties confronting households across the country.

“At a time families cannot afford food, transport and other basic necessities, these gifts are a brazen insult to the people. The government has found a way to provide luxury SUVs for APC youth leaders, yet millions of Nigerians are still waiting for meaningful relief from the cost of living crisis,” he said.

He further questioned the timing of the reported distribution, alleging that APC women leaders had earlier received luxury vehicles shortly before the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State.

According to Atiku, the latest reports have intensified concerns over government spending priorities at a time of economic pressure and continuing security challenges.

“While Nigerians continue to ask where the savings from subsidy removal have gone, the Presidency must explain how such costly gifts are being funded. If the vehicles were paid for privately, the source of the funds should be disclosed. If public resources were used, the government must identify who authorised the spending and under what legal authority,” he said.

The ADC candidate also alleged that the reported distribution raised questions about the possible use of wealth and public resources to win political loyalty.

He criticised what he characterised as extravagant lifestyles among people linked to the President, citing reports that the APC National Youth Leader had travelled in a private jet.

Atiku also referred to photographs circulating online that reportedly showed Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, wearing a Richard Mille RM 67-02 Sébastien Ogier wristwatch said to be worth approximately $500,000.

“A worker on the national minimum wage would need several lifetimes to earn what the President’s son wears on one wrist. When the household of the President and the youth leader of his party flaunt such wealth in a season of hunger, insecurity and joblessness, they are not merely displaying poor taste; they are telling Nigerians, in the plainest possible terms, how little their suffering registers in the corridors of power,” Atiku said.

He asked why ordinary Nigerians were expected to bear the burden of economic hardship while individuals associated with the administration allegedly enjoyed considerable luxury.

“Nigerians need answers, not another display of wealth for political mobilisation,” he said.

Atiku promised to investigate any unlawful expenditure of public funds if elected president, adding that anyone found responsible would face 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 concluded with a pledge to reverse the economic difficulties Nigerians are experiencing, saying, “Tinubu made life difficult. I will make life affordable again.”

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