Professor Pat Utomi, a senior figure in the Nigeria Democratic Congress, accused the [All Progressives Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Progressives_Congress_(Nigeria)) of misusing public money by providing ultra‑expensive sport utility vehicles to a handful of party youth leaders, while rank‑and‑file soldiers receive only minimal pay. The criticism was voiced on X on Sunday, highlighting a stark contrast between the lavish gifts and the modest salaries paid to Nigerian troops.
**Key facts**
- Each Toyota Prado shown in the video is valued at over ₦100 million.
- The SUVs were presented by APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel as support for election mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls.
- Utomi questioned whether the same amount could fund dozens of world‑class ambulances for the health sector.
- He quoted the government’s earlier claim that the treasury was running out of money, calling the display “a slap in the face”.
**What did Utomi say?**
Utomi wrote, “Nigerian soldiers are being paid peanuts as salaries, yet an APC youth leader is flaunting SUVs worth billions of naira. This is the same government that told Nigerians there was no longer money in the treasury. At this point, they must think we are fools!”
**Why the SUVs were given**
In a now‑deleted video, Dayo Israel announced that he had handed over brand‑new 2026 Toyota Prado models to “committed selected youth leaders” to aid their grassroots mobilisation for the upcoming elections. He also thanked [Oluremi Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oluremi_Tinubu), the First Lady, for her continued backing of the party’s structure under his leadership, adding that the party would deliver “polling unit by polling unit” during the campaign period.
**Public reaction**
The footage sparked widespread backlash on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the timing of such extravagance amid the country’s ongoing economic challenges and the Tinubu administration’s austerity measures. Critics argued that the funds could have been redirected to essential services, especially health care, which remains under‑funded.
**Broader implications**
Utomi’s remarks add to a growing chorus of opposition voices demanding greater transparency and accountability in public spending. The episode underscores the tension between political parties’ mobilisation strategies and the everyday hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians, particularly those serving in the armed forces.
The controversy highlights a broader debate on how political parties allocate resources during election cycles and whether such expenditures align with the nation’s pressing socio‑economic needs.