Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to explain the funding of luxury sports utility vehicles (SUVs) reportedly worth more than N150 million each and distributed to youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said Nigerians deserve transparency over the reported distribution, particularly as households continue to face rising living costs, hunger and persistent insecurity.
The former vice president made his position known in a statement issued on Monday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
He described the reported distribution of the 2026-model SUVs as an example of excessive spending at a time when many Nigerians are struggling to afford food, transportation and other essential goods and services.
Atiku Demands Explanation for SUV Funding
Atiku called on the Presidency to disclose the source of the funds used to purchase the vehicles, their total cost and whether public resources were involved in the reported distribution.
According to him, the APC National Youth Leader reportedly attributed the vehicles to a donation by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
The ADC presidential candidate argued that Nigerians should be informed about the financial arrangements behind the reported gifts, including whether the vehicles were purchased with personal funds, private donations or government resources.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding the First Lady’s alleged involvement, insisting that the Presidency should provide a clear account of the expenditure.
Atiku maintained that if the vehicles were privately funded, the source of the money should be disclosed. However, if public funds were used, the government should identify the officials who authorised the spending and explain the legal basis for the decision.
ADC Candidate Condemns Luxury Gifts Amid Economic Hardship
The former vice president described the reported distribution as insensitive to the economic challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
He argued that while many households are struggling with the rising cost of food, transportation and other basic necessities, political figures are reportedly receiving expensive luxury vehicles.
Atiku questioned the government’s priorities, saying Nigerians were still waiting for meaningful relief from the cost-of-living crisis.
He argued that the reported gifts raised concerns about the gap between the privileges enjoyed by political figures and the hardship experienced by millions of citizens.
The ADC candidate also called for greater transparency in the management of public resources, particularly funds associated with the removal of the petrol subsidy.
He said Nigerians deserved to know how the government was using the savings from the subsidy removal and whether any portion had been allocated to the reported purchase of the SUVs.
Atiku Links Reported SUV Distribution to Earlier Vehicle Gifts
Atiku further alleged that the reported distribution to APC youth leaders followed an earlier round of luxury vehicle gifts to women leaders of the ruling party.
He questioned the government’s spending priorities in light of persistent security challenges across the country.
The former vice president also linked the earlier distribution to the period preceding the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, using the comparison to question the government’s response to insecurity.
His comments placed renewed emphasis on public accountability and the need for government officials to explain spending decisions amid ongoing economic and security concerns.
However, the allegations and questions raised by Atiku do not, on their own, establish that public funds were used to purchase the vehicles.
Atiku Raises Questions About Wealth and Political Privileges
The ADC presidential candidate also criticised what he described as displays of luxury among people close to the Presidency.
He cited widely circulated images of Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, wearing a Richard Mille RM 67-02 Sébastien Ogier wristwatch reportedly valued at nearly $500,000.
Atiku argued that such displays of wealth were difficult to reconcile with calls for Nigerians to endure economic hardship while waiting for improvements in their living conditions.
He contrasted the reported value of the luxury wristwatch with the earnings of workers receiving Nigeria’s national minimum wage.
The former vice president questioned why ordinary Nigerians continued to experience financial difficulties while individuals associated with the political establishment were reportedly enjoying expensive lifestyles.
He insisted that Nigerians deserved answers about the funding of costly gifts and the financial circumstances surrounding such displays of wealth.
Atiku Promises Probe Into Alleged Illegal Spending if Elected
Atiku also pledged to investigate any illegal expenditure uncovered if he becomes president following the 2027 general election.
He said any public funds found to have been spent unlawfully would be subjected to a thorough investigation and that those found responsible would face justice.
The former vice president’s statement reinforces the ADC’s criticism of the Tinubu administration over economic hardship, public spending and accountability.
The controversy also raises broader questions about transparency in political donations, the use of public resources and the responsibilities of government officials in explaining expenditure to Nigerians.
As debate continues over the reported distribution of the luxury SUVs, the central questions raised by Atiku concern who financed the vehicles, their total cost and whether any public funds were involved.
An official explanation addressing those questions would help clarify the funding arrangements and establish the facts surrounding the reported distribution.