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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the announcement by its National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, that brand-new 2026 Toyota Prado sports utility vehicles had been presented to selected youth leaders to support their mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition party estimated that the seven vehicles displayed in a video shared by Israel were worth approximately ₦1.015 billion, based on its assessment of the average market price of each SUV at ₦145 million.
In a post on X on Sunday, the NDC accused the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of prioritising expensive benefits for political figures while Nigerians continue to grapple with 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 stated.
It added that the estimated cost of the seven vehicles alone amounted to ₦1.015 billion, arguing that the expenditure contradicted the government’s calls for citizens to endure the difficulties associated with its economic reforms.
The NDC further accused the APC-led administration of spending lavishly on political mobilisation while many Nigerians struggle with poverty and the rising cost of living.
The party subsequently called on Nigerians to vote the ruling APC out of power in the 2027 general elections, describing the move as a civic responsibility to future generations.
Promoting its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the NDC said he was committed to reducing the cost of governance and establishing what it described as a more accountable and functional government.
“Our presidential candidate is strongly committed to cutting the cost of governance,” the party said, urging Nigerians to support its vision of a country that works for all citizens.
Earlier, Israel had shared a video showing the SUVs, explaining that they were presented to selected youth leaders to strengthen the party’s election mobilisation efforts.
He also expressed appreciation to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for what he described as her continued support for the APC’s youth structure.
Israel said the party intended to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections, with a focus on securing support at polling-unit level.
However, the NDC’s criticism centred on the estimated cost of the vehicles and the timing of their presentation amid prevailing economic challenges.
The party’s valuation was based on its estimate of the market price of the SUVs and the seven vehicles it counted in the video. The actual purchase price and source of funding were not disclosed in the reports.
