Atiku Blasts Tinubu Over N150m SUVs Given To APC Youth Leaders

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over reports that luxury sports utility vehicles (SUVs) worth more than N150 million each were distributed to All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leaders.

Atiku demanded that the Presidency explain who paid for them as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising living costs, hunger and insecurity.

In a statement released on Monday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, the former vice president described the reported distribution of the 2026-model SUVs as an example of excessive spending amid widespread economic hardship.

He called on the Presidency to disclose the source of the funds, the total cost of the vehicles and whether public resources were used to finance their purchase.

“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,” Atiku said.

He questioned the First Lady’s financial involvement, arguing that Nigerians deserved transparency about the funding of such expensive gifts.

“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,” he added.

Atiku said the reported distribution was insensitive to the economic challenges facing ordinary Nigerians, many of whom struggle to afford food, transportation and other basic necessities.

“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.

The former vice-president also alleged that the reported distribution followed an earlier round of luxury vehicle gifts to APC women leaders.

He linked the earlier distribution to the period preceding the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, while questioning the government’s priorities amid persistent security challenges.

Atiku further demanded an explanation for how the government was spending savings from the removal of the petrol subsidy, insisting that any use of public funds for the vehicles should be justified.

“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.

He also raised questions about the reported lifestyle of the APC National Youth Leader, alleging that the party official travels by private jet.

Atiku contrasted the alleged privileges enjoyed by political figures with the hardship faced by Nigerians, arguing that the government should be more transparent about the sources of funding for expensive gifts.

The ADC presidential candidate also criticised the display of luxury items by members of the president’s family, citing widely circulated images of Seyi Tinubu wearing a Richard Mille RM 67-02 Sébastien Ogier wristwatch reportedly valued at close to $500,000.

Atiku argued that such displays of wealth were at odds with the administration’s calls for Nigerians to endure economic hardship while waiting for relief.

“A worker on the national minimum wage would need several lifetimes to earn what the President’s son wears on one wrist,” he said.

He questioned why Nigerians continued to face economic difficulties while people close to the government allegedly enjoyed expensive lifestyles.

“Why is Bola inflicting such pain on Nigerians while those closest to his government enjoy such lavish privilege? Nigerians need answers, not another display of wealth for political mobilisation,” Atiku said.

He also pledged to investigate any illegal expenditure if elected president in 2027, promising that those 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.