Professor Pat Utomi, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the distribution of luxury sport utility vehicles to selected party youth leaders, questioning the expenditure amid concerns about soldiers’ welfare and economic hardship.
Utomi expressed his displeasure after APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel shared a video showing brand-new 2026 Toyota Prado SUVs presented to selected youth leaders to support the party’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a post on X, Utomi questioned the decision to showcase expensive vehicles at a time when many Nigerians were struggling with rising living costs and military personnel were facing concerns over their remuneration.
“Nigerian soldiers are being paid peanuts as salaries, yet an APC youth leader is flaunting SUVs worth billions of naira. This is the same government that told Nigerians there was no longer money in the treasury. At this point, they must think we are fools!” he wrote.
The political economist also questioned whether the money spent on the vehicles could have been redirected towards essential public services, particularly emergency healthcare.
According to Utomi, each of the SUVs was worth more than ₦100 million, prompting him to ask how many well-equipped ambulances could have been purchased with the funds.
APC youth leader explains purpose of vehicles
Israel had earlier announced the presentation of the vehicles, explaining that they were intended to support selected youth leaders in their election mobilisation activities.
“Today, I presented brand-new 2026 Prado to my committed selected youth leaders to aid their election mobilisation activities,” he wrote.
He also expressed appreciation to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for what he described as her continued support for the party’s youth structure.
Israel further emphasised the APC’s grassroots mobilisation strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, declaring that the party intended to strengthen its presence at polling-unit level.
However, the video triggered criticism on social media, with some Nigerians questioning the timing of the presentation against the backdrop of economic difficulties and the country’s security challenges.
The post was subsequently deleted, although footage and screenshots continued to circulate online.
Questions over spending priorities
The controversy has reignited discussions about political spending and the competing demands for resources in Nigeria, particularly the need to improve security, healthcare and public welfare.
While the vehicles were presented as support for party mobilisation, questions remain about their exact purchase cost and the source of funding. The available information does not establish whether public funds were used to acquire them.
Utomi’s criticism has added to the wider debate over the priorities of political parties as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
