Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Luxury SUVs For APC Youth Leaders

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the reported distribution of luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as an insult to Nigerians battling hunger and rising living costs.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, also called on the Presidency to explain how the vehicles were funded, given reports that each of the 2026 models costs more than ₦150 million.

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.

Atiku questioned the reported donation of the vehicles by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, demanding that the government provide details about the source of the money used to purchase them.

He said Nigerians deserved to know whether the vehicles were bought with the First Lady’s personal funds, donations from individuals or public resources.

According to Atiku, the Presidency should disclose the total amount spent on the vehicles and identify those responsible for financing the distribution.

He also questioned the First Lady’s involvement in the reported donation, noting that she does not hold an elected or executive position in the government.

The ADC presidential candidate argued that the reported distribution was inappropriate at a time when many Nigerians were struggling to afford food, transportation and other basic needs.

He said the government appeared to be providing expensive vehicles for members of the ruling party while millions of citizens continued to face the effects of the rising cost of living.

Atiku maintained that the situation raised questions about the priorities of the Tinubu administration, especially as households across the country continue to experience economic difficulties.

He also expressed concern over the timing of the reported distribution, alleging that APC women leaders had previously received luxury vehicles. He claimed that the earlier distribution took place shortly before the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State.

The former vice-president said the latest development had further increased concerns about government spending and the country’s security challenges.

Atiku also demanded an explanation for the use of funds following the removal of the petrol subsidy, asking the Presidency to account for the savings from the policy.

He said that if the vehicles were purchased with private money, the people responsible should disclose the source of their funds. However, if public resources were involved, the government should explain who approved the expenditure and the legal basis for the decision.

The ADC candidate further argued that the reported gifts raised concerns about the possible use of wealth and public resources to secure political support for the ruling party.

He also criticised what he described as displays of luxury among people associated with the President, pointing to reports that the APC National Youth Leader had travelled in a private jet.

Atiku extended his criticism to Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, following the circulation of photographs reportedly showing him wearing a Richard Mille RM 67-02 Sébastien Ogier wristwatch said to be worth about $500,000.

The former vice-president compared the reported value of the wristwatch with the earnings of ordinary Nigerian workers, arguing that someone earning the national minimum wage would need several lifetimes to make the same amount.

He said the display of wealth by people close to the President was particularly troubling at a time when many Nigerians were facing hunger, insecurity and unemployment.

Atiku questioned why ordinary citizens were being forced to endure economic hardship while individuals associated with the administration were reportedly enjoying expensive lifestyles.

He insisted that Nigerians deserved clear explanations about the reported vehicle distribution rather than further displays of wealth for political purposes.

The former vice-president also promised to investigate any illegal spending of public funds if elected president.