Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Reported SUV Gifts For APC Youth Leaders

Former Vice-President and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate (ADC), Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over experiences that the All Progressives Congress (APC) distributed luxurious SUVs to youth leaders, describing it as an insult to Nigerians battling with starvation and rising residing prices

Atiku known as on President Bola Tinubu and the Presidency to elucidate the supply of funding for the automobiles, reportedly 2026 fashions valued at greater than N150m every.

In a press release issued on Monday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku questioned the reported donation of the automobiles by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, saying Nigerians deserved to know who paid for them.

“The APC National Youth Leader says these vehicles were donated by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. Nigerians deserve to know where the money came from to buy and distribute so many 2026 model SUVs, each worth more than N150 million, for political mobilisation,” he stated.

Atiku requested whether or not the automobiles have been bought with the First Lady’s private funds, donations or public assets, demanding that the Presidency disclose the whole price and supply of the cash.

“The First Lady holds no elected or executive office. She is only a domestic appendage of the office of President. Were these vehicles bought with her personal funds, donations or public resources? Who paid for them? What was the total cost? The Presidency must provide a clear account,” the previous vice-president stated.

He argued that the reported presents have been inappropriate at a time when many Nigerians have been struggling to afford meals, transportation and different primary requirements.

“At a time families cannot afford food, transport and other basic necessities, these gifts are a brazen insult to the people. The government has found a way to provide luxury SUVs for APC youth leaders, yet millions of Nigerians are still waiting for meaningful relief from the cost of living crisis,” he stated.

Atiku additionally questioned the timing of the reported car distribution, alleging that APC girls leaders had beforehand obtained luxurious automobiles and that the sooner presents got here shortly earlier than the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oyo State.

He stated the newest reported distribution raised considerations in regards to the authorities’s spending priorities amid financial hardship and insecurity.

“While Nigerians continue to ask where the savings from subsidy removal have gone, the Presidency must explain how such costly gifts are being funded. If the vehicles were paid for privately, the source of the funds should be disclosed. If public resources were used, the government must identify who authorised the spending and under what legal authority,” he stated.

The ADC presidential candidate additional alleged that the dimensions of the reported presents raised questions on whether or not wealth and public assets have been getting used to safe political loyalty.

He additionally criticised what he described as shows of privilege amongst people related to the President, citing experiences that the APC National Youth Leader travelled by personal jet.

Atiku prolonged his criticism to the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, referring to broadly circulated pictures stated to indicate him carrying a Richard Mille RM 67-02 Sébastien Ogier wristwatch reportedly valued at about $500,000.

“A worker on the national minimum wage would need several lifetimes to earn what the President’s son wears on one wrist. When the household of the President and the youth leader of his party flaunt such wealth in a season of hunger, insecurity and joblessness, they are not merely displaying poor taste; they are telling Nigerians, in the plainest possible terms, how little their suffering registers in the corridors of power,” Atiku stated.

He requested why Nigerians have been being made to endure financial hardship whereas individuals near the administration allegedly loved lavish privileges.

“Nigerians need answers, not another display of wealth for political mobilisation,” he stated.

Atiku pledged to analyze any public funds discovered to have been spent illegally if elected president.

“When I am sworn in as president, every naira found to have been spent illegally will be thoroughly investigated, and everyone found culpable will be brought to justice,” he stated.

He added, “Tinubu made life difficult. I will make life affordable again.”