Atiku Challenges Tinubu to Disclose Funding for SUVs Donated to APC Youth Leaders

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to clarify the source of funding for seven luxury Toyota Prado SUVs reportedly donated to selected leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth wing ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, said Nigerians deserved transparency over the vehicles, which were reportedly presented to support grassroots mobilisation by the ruling party’s youth leadership.

The controversy followed confirmation by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu that she had donated vehicles to support the APC youth wing. The party’s National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, had earlier shared a video showing the SUVs before deleting the post.

Atiku questioned whether the vehicles were purchased with private funds, contributions from donors or public resources. He called for the disclosure of the total expenditure and the identity of whoever financed the donation.

Reports have estimated the cost of each 2026 Toyota Prado SUV at more than ₦150 million. However, the exact purchase price of the seven vehicles and the source of the funding have not been publicly established in the reports provided.

The donation has prompted debate about political expenditure and accountability, particularly as many Nigerians continue to grapple with rising living costs. Critics have questioned the timing and priorities behind the distribution of expensive vehicles to party youth leaders.

Atiku’s challenge places the focus on the need to distinguish between privately funded political donations and spending involving public resources. Disclosure of the funding source and total cost would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the donation.

The controversy comes as political parties and their supporters begin preparations for the 2027 elections. Neither the reported vehicle valuation nor the funding source should be treated as independently confirmed based on the information currently available.