Utomi Criticises APC Over Luxury SUVs for Youth Leaders, Questions Spending Priorities

Political economist and Nigeria Democratic Congress chieftain, Professor Pat Utomi, has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the reported distribution of luxury sports utility vehicles to selected party youth leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Utomi questioned the spending, contrasting the reported cost of the vehicles with what he described as inadequate salaries for Nigerian soldiers.

He also argued that the money involved could have been directed towards essential public services, including emergency healthcare and the provision of ambulances.

The controversy followed a video shared by APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, showing brand-new 2026 Toyota Prado SUVs presented to selected youth leaders for election mobilisation.

Israel had said the vehicles would support the party’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the elections. The video was subsequently deleted after attracting criticism on social media.

Utomi’s comments have added to the debate over political expenditure and the allocation of resources amid concerns about public services and the welfare of security personnel.

However, the actual cost of the vehicles and the source of funding have not been officially established in the reports reviewed.

The development has renewed discussions about political spending, transparency and national priorities as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.