APC youth leader deletes post of seven Toyota Prados after public backlash over cost

Dayo Israel, the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), removed a video from his X account approximately three hours after publishing it. The footage displayed seven brand-new 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs that had been presented to selected youth leaders within the party. Israel stated in the original post that the vehicles were allocated to support election mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. The deletion occurred following a wave of criticism from Nigerians who questioned the timing and cost of the acquisition.

In the now-deleted post, Israel expressed gratitude to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her continued support of the party structure. He emphasised the supremacy of the party and asserted that the leadership would deliver results polling unit by polling unit during the election period. The presentation of the vehicles was framed as a reward for committed youth leaders who would aid in mobilising voters. However, the public reaction was largely negative, with many users on social media highlighting the disparity between the display of luxury vehicles and the prevailing economic conditions in the country.

Background

The controversy centres on the reported cost of the seven Toyota Prado SUVs, which one social media user estimated to be over 1 billion naira. The source of the funding and the exact purchase price were not disclosed in Israel's original communication. Critics pointed to the financial constraints facing public institutions, specifically noting that the government had previously stated it lacked funds to pay striking doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel. This contrast drew sharp attention to the allocation of resources for political mobilisation while basic services and worker remuneration remain unresolved.

The APC is the ruling party in Nigeria, and its leadership, including President Bola Tinubu, has been subject to scrutiny regarding economic management. The incident adds to ongoing debates about the priorities of the ruling party during a period of economic hardship. The vehicles were specifically identified as 2026 models, indicating they were newly acquired for the upcoming electoral cycle. The involvement of the First Lady in the context of the post, where she was thanked for her support, further contextualised the event within the broader political apparatus of the administration.

Why it matters

The backlash highlights a significant disconnect between political leadership and the general populace regarding economic realities. Social media users argued that the funds used for the vehicles could have been directed towards more critical needs, such as healthcare infrastructure, food assistance, or student loans. One user specifically questioned how many primary healthcare centres could have been established with the money spent on the seven SUVs. The incident underscores the sensitivity of public spending on visible symbols of wealth during times of financial strain, potentially affecting public trust in the ruling party's commitment to addressing the economic challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians. The deletion of the post suggests an awareness of the negative public sentiment, but the underlying issue of resource allocation remains a point of contention.

The reaction also reflects broader frustrations with the economic situation, where citizens are struggling with high living costs and inadequate support from the state. The specific mention of unpaid medical workers serves as a potent example of the perceived misalignment in government priorities. As the 2027 elections approach, such incidents may influence voter sentiment and the political narrative surrounding the APC's governance and its youth wing's activities.