Former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration following reports that 2026-model luxury sports utility vehicles (SUVs), valued at over ₦150 million each, were distributed to youth leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). ​In a official press statement released from the campaign headquarters in Abuja on Monday, October 26, 2026, Atiku described the high-profile vehicle distribution as a “brazen insult” to millions of Nigerians currently struggling to cope with severe hunger, soaring transportation costs, and a worsening economic crisis. ​
Demanding immediate financial transparency, the former Vice-President urged the presidency to disclose the exact funding source used to acquire the multi-million-naira fleet. Pointing to statements by the APC National Youth Leader, who attributed the gesture to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Atiku questioned the constitutional basis and source of capital for the lavish gifts. He pressed the government to clarify whether public funds, private donations, or personal assets were utilized, emphasizing that the First Lady holds no executive or elected office authorized to spend state revenue for party patronage. ​
The criticism was further detailed in a statement signed by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, who argued that such displays of privilege highlight a deep disconnect between ruling party elites and everyday citizens. Shaibu noted that while ordinary families are repeatedly urged to endure harsh economic reforms, individuals close to the administration are reportedly enjoying private jet travel and luxury automobile allocations. ​Reinforcing the campaign’s position during a media interaction in Abuja on Monday afternoon, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, asserted that the opposition would not allow the matter to be swept under the rug.
Ibe stated that any public funds discovered to have been diverted or illegally spent to secure political loyalty would face thorough auditing and legal accountability under a future administration. ​As of Monday evening, official spokespersons for the Presidency and the APC National Secretariat have yet to issue a formal rebuttal regarding the cost and source of financing for the distributed vehicles.
