2027: NDC Questions APC’s Prado SUV Distribution as Cost Estimate Hits ₦1bn
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the distribution of new Toyota Prado sports utility vehicles to selected party youth leaders, estimating that seven vehicles could cost about ₦1.015 billion.
The controversy followed an announcement by APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel on Sunday, October 25, that he had presented new 2026 Toyota Prado vehicles to selected youth leaders to support their election mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his now-deleted social media post, Israel also expressed appreciation to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for what he described as her continued support for the party’s structure under his leadership.
He said the APC intended to strengthen its grassroots mobilisation, adding that the party would work towards delivering results at polling unit level.
Reacting to the development, the NDC questioned the reported expenditure, arguing that the distribution contrasted with the economic difficulties facing many Nigerians.
The opposition party estimated the average price of a brand-new 2026 Toyota Prado at ₦145 million and calculated that seven vehicles would amount to ₦1.015 billion.
The NDC accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of asking Nigerians to endure economic hardship while political leaders continued to enjoy what it described as expensive benefits.
It also called on Nigerians to vote the APC out of power in the 2027 general election, using the controversy to promote its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his stated commitment to reducing the cost of governance.
However, the NDC’s estimate does not establish the actual amount spent on the vehicles. No purchase invoice or other transaction record was identified in the available material to confirm the total cost.
Israel’s announcement also did not disclose who financed the vehicles, whether they were purchased with party funds or private contributions, or the precise terms under which they were presented to the beneficiaries.
The distinction is important because the NDC’s allegation that taxpayers’ money was being spent on political leaders has not been substantiated by evidence establishing a public funding source.
The post subsequently attracted criticism on social media, with some users questioning the decision to provide expensive vehicles for political mobilisation at a time when households and public institutions face competing financial demands.
The original post was later deleted. No public explanation for its removal was established in the material reviewed for this report.
The circumstances surrounding the purchase, including the source of funding, the actual cost and the identities of the beneficiaries, remain unclear.
The controversy comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with youth mobilisation and grassroots organisation expected to feature prominently in their campaigns.
