Atiku demands explanation over reported luxury SUV gifts to APC youth leaders

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain the reported distribution of 2026-model luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs), each allegedly worth more than ₦150 million, to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth wing.

Atiku accused the administration of misplaced priorities, arguing that the reported gifts contrasted sharply with the rising cost of living and the economic difficulties facing millions of Nigerians.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku demanded disclosure of the source of funding for the vehicles, their total cost and the circumstances surrounding their distribution.

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He said the APC National Youth Leader had attributed the vehicles to a donation by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, a claim Atiku said required a clear public explanation.

“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,” Atiku said.

He questioned whether the vehicles were purchased with the First Lady’s personal funds, private donations or public resources, insisting that Nigerians had a right to know who financed the reported gifts.

“The Presidency must provide a clear account. Nigerians cannot be expected to accept a fleet of extraordinarily expensive vehicles for party loyalists without knowing who financed them,” he said.

Atiku argued that the reported distribution was particularly troubling at a time when many households were struggling to afford food, transportation and other basic necessities.

He also questioned the government’s spending priorities amid public concerns over the use of savings from the removal of the petrol subsidy and the continued pressure on household incomes.

The ADC presidential candidate further alleged that APC women leaders had previously received luxury vehicles and questioned the timing of the reported distributions, given the country’s security challenges and economic hardship.

He called on the Presidency to disclose the source of the funds if the vehicles were privately financed and, if public resources were involved, identify the officials who authorised the expenditure and the legal basis for it.

Atiku said the reported gifts raised concerns about the possible use of wealth and public resources to secure political loyalty.

“Nigeria cannot be run as a captured state, where wealth and influence serve the powerful while ordinary citizens are left to struggle,” he said.

The former vice-president also criticised what he described as the contrast between the privileges enjoyed by some political figures and the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians. He questioned reports that the APC youth leader travelled by private jet, arguing that public officials and party leaders should be prepared to answer questions about their sources of wealth and expenditure.

Atiku also referred to widely circulated images of Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, wearing a Richard Mille RM 67-02 Sébastien Ogier wristwatch, which he claimed sells for close to $500,000.

He cited the reported value of the timepiece as another example of what he described as a disconnect between the privileges enjoyed by influential individuals and the economic difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians.

The statement called on the Presidency to address the questions surrounding the reported SUV donations and provide Nigerians with transparency on the source of funding.