The presentation of seven brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs to selected youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has triggered political criticism, with opposition parties demanding transparency over the source of funding.
The controversy emerged after APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, shared a video showing the vehicles presented to party youth leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections. Israel expressed appreciation to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her support of the party’s youth structure.
The development has drawn attention to political spending at a time when many Nigerians continue to face rising living costs and economic hardship.
Opposition Parties Demand Accountability
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) questioned the distribution, arguing that the cost of providing luxury vehicles to political operatives deserved public scrutiny.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, called on the APC to disclose who financed the vehicles and clarify whether public funds were involved.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is associated with the ADC’s 2027 presidential campaign, also called for transparency, insisting that Nigerians deserve clarity about the source of the money, particularly if government resources were used.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) also criticised the presentation, estimating that the combined value of the seven vehicles could exceed ₦1 billion.
Seven SUVs Could Cost More Than ₦1 Billion
Based on an estimated price of ₦160 million per vehicle, the seven Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs would have a combined value of approximately ₦1.12 billion.
However, the figure is an estimate rather than a confirmed purchase price. The actual cost would depend on the models, specifications and terms of purchase.
The vehicles have been presented as resources to support political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the precise funding arrangement has not been publicly established in the information available, and there is no verified evidence here confirming that public funds were used.
Political Spending Comes Under Scrutiny
The controversy has renewed debate about campaign financing, youth engagement and the priorities of political parties as preparations for the next general election gather momentum.
While supporters may regard the vehicles as logistical assets for coordinating political activities across communities, critics argue that the scale of the expenditure raises questions about transparency and the use of financial resources during a period of economic difficulty.
Beyond the political exchanges, the key issue remains the source of the funding. Disclosure of whether the vehicles were purchased through private donations, party funds or public resources would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the presentation.
As political parties prepare for the 2027 elections, campaign expenditure and financial accountability are likely to remain subjects of public debate.
