The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the distribution of brand-new 2026 Toyota Prado SUVs to selected youth leaders for election mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition party alleged that the seven vehicles displayed by APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, in a video were worth approximately ₦1.015 billion.
Reacting in a post on X, the NDC estimated the cost of each SUV at ₦145 million, accusing the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of prioritising politicians’ comfort amid widespread economic hardship.
“The average cost of a brand-new 2026 Toyota Prado is ₦145,000,000. In this video, we counted seven such vehicles, and the number could be even higher,” the party said.
“The total cost of these seven vehicles alone amounts to ₦1,015,000,000.”
The NDC condemned what it described as wasteful spending, arguing that Nigerians had been asked to endure the effects of the administration’s economic reforms while political leaders enjoyed expensive privileges.
It accused the APC-led government of funding the lavish lifestyles of politicians while ordinary citizens struggled with poverty.
The party subsequently urged Nigerians to vote the ruling APC out of power in 2027, describing the move as a civic responsibility to the country and future generations.
Promoting its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the NDC said an Obi-led administration would prioritise reducing the cost of governance.
“Our presidential candidate is strongly committed to cutting the cost of governance,” the party stated, urging Nigerians to support what it called “a new and working Nigeria for all, and not for a corrupt few.”
Israel had earlier shared a video showing the vehicles, explaining that they were presented to selected youth leaders to support their election mobilisation efforts.
“Today, I presented brand new 2026 Prado to my committed selected youth leaders to aid their election mobilisation activities,” he wrote.
He also expressed appreciation to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her continued support for the party’s structure under his leadership.
The APC youth leader said the party would concentrate on grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election, pledging to deliver results “polling unit by polling unit.”
The NDC’s ₦1.015 billion estimate was based on its assessment of the vehicles’ average market price and its count of seven SUVs in the video. The party did not provide independent evidence that the vehicles were purchased with public funds.