African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has demanded that President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu explain how the 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs distributed to loyal APC members by the party’s national youth leader, Dayo Israel, were funded.
It was reported on Sunday that Mr Israel announced on social media that he donated several 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs ahead of the 2027 general elections. He credited Mrs Tinubu for her support in acquiring the vehicles.
Mr Abubakar condemned the vehicle donations, asking Mr Tinubu and his wife to explain to Nigerians how his wife could afford the SUVs, which he said were worth an estimated N150 million each.
“The APC national youth leader says these vehicles were donated by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu,” the presidential hopeful said n a statement by Phrank Shaibu, the spokesperson for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
“Nigerians deserve to know where the money came from to buy and distribute so many 2026 model SUVs, each worth more than ₦150 million, for political mobilisation,” Mr Abubakar added.
He challenged the presidency to explain the source of funds used to purchase the SUVs and the total cost of the donations, stating, “Nigerians cannot be expected to accept a fleet of extraordinarily expensive vehicles for party loyalists without knowing who financed them.”
Mr Abubakar described Mr Israel’s post as brazen. He criticised the decision to buy vehicles for loyalists at a time when Nigerians cannot afford basic amenities due to Mr Tinubu’s harsh economic policies.
“At a time when 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.
“This is not merely a question of misplaced priorities. It is one of the most outlandish displays of executive recklessness in our history,” the former vice president said.
Mr Abubakar also faulted previous cases when APC women leaders and youth leaders were gifted buses by Ms Tinubu on the eve of the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State. He also highlighted expensive watches being worn by the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu.