The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of executive excess over the reported distribution of 2026 model luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leaders.
In a statement signed by the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, on Monday, October 26, 2026, Atiku demanded an explanation from the Presidency regarding the source of funds used to purchase and distribute the vehicles.
He questioned whether the SUVs were purchased with the personal funds of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, donations or public resources, following reports that the vehicles were donated by the First Lady.
“The Presidency must provide a clear account. Nigerians cannot be expected to accept a fleet of extraordinarily expensive vehicles for party loyalists without knowing who financed them,” he said.
The former Vice President condemned the reported donations amid the economic hardship facing Nigerians, noting that many families continue to struggle with the rising cost of food, transportation, and other basic necessities.
He also questioned the use of resources for political mobilisation while Nigerians continue to demand relief from the cost-of-living crisis and seek explanations over the savings from the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Atiku called on the Presidency to disclose the total cost of the vehicles and clarify who authorised the spending and under what legal authority if public resources were involved.
He expressed concern that the reported distribution of luxury vehicles to APC women and youth leaders could raise questions about the use of the country’s resources to secure political loyalty.
Atiku also drew attention to reports that the APC National Youth Leader travels by private jet, contrasting the alleged privileges enjoyed by political figures with the hardship confronting ordinary Nigerians.
He extended his criticism to the President’s family, referencing widely circulated images of Seyi Tinubu wearing a Richard Mille RM 67-02 Sébastien Ogier wristwatch, which he said sells for close to $500,000.
Atiku argued that such displays of wealth, against the backdrop of hunger, insecurity and unemployment, raised concerns about the contrast between the privileges enjoyed by those close to power and the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
He pledged that, if elected president, his administration would investigate every naira found to have been spent illegally and bring those found culpable to justice.
“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 said.
He further pledged to address the rising cost of living, declaring: “Tinubu made life difficult. I will make life affordable again.”
