Nigerians React After APC Youth Leader Shows Off New SUVs

Many Nigerians have reacted strongly to the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel. He shared a video showing seven new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs given to selected youth leaders. He later deleted the post about three hours after putting it up.

Mr Israel shared the video on his X account on Sunday. He said the vehicles were meant to help the beneficiaries with their mobilization efforts for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

“Today, I presented brand new 2026 Prado to my committed selected youth leaders to aid their election mobilisation activities,” he wrote.

He also thanked First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her “continuous support to the party structure” under his leadership.

“The party is supreme and that supremacy will show in our action in this election period, we will deliver polling unit by polling unit,” he added.

The post sparked anger from many Nigerians. People questioned the high cost of the vehicles and the choice to use such resources for political mobilization while the country faces economic hardship.

One X user, @iamchibuzoree, highlighted the difference between the expensive SUVs and the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. The user pointed out that the government cannot meet demands from health workers.

“A government that told us there is NO MONEY to pay striking doctors. NO MONEY to pay nurses, lab scientists, medical personnel who are saving lives with empty stomachs,” the user wrote.

“SUDDENLY found money to buy a CONVOY of brand new 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs?”

The user guessed that the seven vehicles could cost over ₦1 billion. The user argued that this money could have been better spent on healthcare, food support, and student loans.

Another user, @ogundamisi, said the video showed a growing gap between political leaders and Nigerians dealing with economic trouble.

“For context, @dayoisrael is the youth leader of Nigeria’s ruling APC, the same party whose president, Tinubu, is asking Nigerians to endure more suffering,” the user wrote.

The user also criticized showing off expensive vehicles while many Nigerians struggle to meet basic needs.

Similarly, @ayshaHamman questioned how many primary healthcare centres could be set up with the money spent on the SUVs. The user's comment highlighted other ways the funds could have been used.

The actual cost of the vehicles and how they were funded were not revealed in Mr Israel’s post.

Another user, @ukocarter, criticized the situation given the economic challenges facing Nigerians. @harmlessHQ compared the SUV presentation to President Bola Tinubu’s comments about the country’s economic issues.

“Yesterday in Kaduna, Tinubu was blaming the opposition for the hunger and hardship in the country. Today, Dayo Israel, APC youth leader is casually dashing out 2026 Prado SUV to his fellow youth leaders,” @harmlessHQ wrote.

Mr Israel deleted the post about three hours after sharing it due to the backlash.

However, deleting the post did not stop the controversy as screenshots and videos continued to spread on the platform. Mr Israel did not explain why he deleted the post at the time of this report.

It was also unclear who paid for the vehicles, their exact cost, and whether they were bought with party funds, private donations, or other means.