Utomi Faults APC Over Luxury SUVs as Soldiers Earn Low Salaries

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

Utomi expressed concern over the reported cost of the vehicles, contrasting the expenditure with what he described as inadequate salaries for Nigerian soldiers and the economic difficulties facing citizens.

In a post on X on Sunday, he questioned the apparent availability of funds for expensive vehicles when Nigerians had been told that government resources were limited.

The criticism followed a video shared by APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, showing brand-new 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs presented to selected youth leaders to support their election mobilisation activities.

Israel said the vehicles were intended to strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. He also expressed appreciation to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her support for the party’s structure under his leadership.

Utomi argued that the money spent on the vehicles could have been directed towards other public needs, particularly healthcare. He questioned how many well-equipped ambulances could have been purchased with the funds used to acquire the SUVs.

The professor also raised concerns about the contrast between the distribution of expensive vehicles to political mobilisers and the remuneration of military personnel involved in national security operations.

The controversy intensified after the video attracted criticism on social media, with users questioning the timing of the distribution amid rising living costs and economic pressures. Israel subsequently deleted the post, although recordings and screenshots continued to circulate online.

The NDC separately estimated that the seven vehicles shown in the video were worth approximately ₦1.015 billion, based on an estimated average price of ₦145 million per vehicle. However, the exact purchase price, source of funding and ownership arrangements were not disclosed in Israel’s post.

Utomi’s comments have added to public debate over political spending priorities, the cost of election mobilisation and the allocation of resources amid competing national needs.

The APC youth leader had presented the vehicles as logistical support for grassroots political activities, while critics questioned whether the expenditure was appropriate given the country’s wider economic and security challenges.