Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the reported distribution of seven luxury sports utility vehicles (SUVs), allegedly worth about N1 billion, to its youth leaders, describing the gesture as insensitive to the economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerians.
The opposition party said the reported vehicle gifts highlighted the disparity between the sacrifices Nigerians are being asked to make amid prevailing economic difficulties and the privileges enjoyed by members of the ruling party.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the APC of prioritising its political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections over the welfare of citizens grappling with rising living costs.
“President Tinubu asks Nigerians to endure hardship while his party distributes luxury vehicles to its political operatives. Apparently, sacrifice is for ordinary Nigerians, while luxury is reserved for those working to keep the APC in power,” Abdullahi said.
He added that while the ruling party had reportedly found the resources to provide vehicles for its campaign officials, it had yet to convince Nigerians that adequate measures were being taken to make life more affordable.
According to the ADC, the reported distribution is particularly troubling because the vehicles were said to be intended for grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections rather than initiatives directly addressing youth unemployment and economic hardship.
“Seven APC youth leaders can receive luxury vehicles, but millions of young Nigerians are still waiting for the jobs, opportunities and economic relief they were promised. Is this the APC’s idea of youth empowerment?” the party queried.
The ADC argued that the reported expenditure raised questions about the priorities of the ruling party at a time when many households continue to struggle with the cost of food, transportation and other essential needs.
The opposition party consequently demanded full disclosure of the source of funding for the vehicles, including clarification on whether public funds were involved in their procurement.
“Nigerians deserve to know who paid for these vehicles. Until that question is answered, the ruling party cannot dismiss legitimate concerns about its priorities,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC maintained that transparency was necessary to address public concerns surrounding the reported expenditure, urging the ruling party to explain the circumstances surrounding the vehicle distribution.
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