Social media users have accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of insensitivity after seven brand-new Toyota Prado SUVs were presented to selected party youth leaders for election mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development has triggered widespread criticism, with many Nigerians questioning the ruling party’s priorities at a time when households are grappling with high living costs, food prices and other economic challenges.
The controversy followed a video shared on Sunday, October 25, by Dayo Israel, the APC National Youth Leader, showing seven brand-new 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs lined up for presentation to selected youth leaders.
In the now-deleted post on X, Israel said the vehicles were intended to support the beneficiaries’ election mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also expressed gratitude to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her continued support for the party’s youth structure.
However, the display of the luxury vehicles drew angry reactions from social media users, many of whom contrasted the expensive gifts with the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians.
Some questioned why substantial resources were being directed towards political mobilisation when many citizens were struggling to afford food, healthcare, rent and other basic necessities.
Others raised concerns about the cost of the vehicles and questioned whether the money could have been channelled towards essential public services, including healthcare, education and youth employment.
One X user, @HarmlessHQ, criticised the timing of the presentation, contrasting it with the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
Another user, @RealAdeshina, questioned the rationale behind the expenditure, pointing to shortages of essential medical equipment in Nigerian hospitals.
The controversy also attracted criticism from political commentators, including Professor Pat Utomi, who questioned the contrast between the luxury vehicles and the remuneration of Nigerian soldiers.
First Lady confirms donation
Amid the backlash, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu confirmed that she donated vehicles to the APC National Youth Wing to support grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to reports, Israel subsequently explained that the seven SUVs were gifts from donors and denied that they were purchased with government allocations or taxpayers’ money.
He also said the post was deleted out of consideration for Nigerians’ economic circumstances and public sensitivities.
However, the identities of the donors, the exact cost of the vehicles and detailed documentation of the funding arrangements had not been publicly disclosed in the reports available as of October 26.
Nigerians question party’s priorities
The controversy has reignited debate over the priorities of political parties and their leaders amid persistent economic hardship.
Critics argue that the public display of expensive vehicles for party mobilisation sends the wrong message to citizens being asked to endure economic difficulties.
For many social media users, the central concern is not simply the donation of vehicles to political officials, but the timing and symbolism of the gesture in a country where millions continue to face financial pressure.
Others may view the vehicles as logistical support for party activities ahead of the next general election.
Nevertheless, the backlash has placed the APC’s youth mobilisation strategy under public scrutiny, with calls for greater transparency over the donation and its funding.
