Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over reports that luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs), valued at more than ₦150 million each, were distributed to youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), demanding disclosure of the source of funding.
Atiku described the reported distribution as insensitive to the economic hardship facing Nigerians, arguing that the move raised questions about the administration’s priorities amid widespread concerns over hunger and the rising cost of living.
The criticism was contained in a statement issued by Atiku’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
According to the statement, the APC National Youth Leader reportedly credited First Lady Oluremi Tinubu with donating the luxury vehicles for political mobilisation.
The former vice president questioned how the fleet was financed and whether the vehicles were purchased with personal funds, private donations or public resources.
He argued that Nigerians deserved a clear explanation of the funding arrangement, particularly given that the office of the First Lady does not exercise executive powers.
Atiku called on the Presidency to provide an immediate public account of the vehicles’ procurement and funding, insisting that transparency was necessary to address concerns over the reported expenditure.
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The former presidential candidate also drew comparisons with previous reports of luxury vehicles being distributed to party women leaders, arguing that such displays of political patronage were difficult to reconcile with the economic challenges confronting ordinary citizens.
He further criticised what he portrayed as a widening gap between the lifestyle of political elites and the daily struggles of Nigerians dealing with high living costs.
The statement cited reports of party officials travelling in private jets and members of the President’s family wearing expensive luxury watches as examples of what Atiku considered a contrast between elite privilege and the financial pressures facing millions of households.
Atiku maintained that the reported distribution raised broader questions about public accountability, political spending and the priorities of those in power.
However, the statement did not provide independent documentary evidence establishing the source of funding for the vehicles, and the Presidency’s response to the allegations was not included.
