‘They Must Think We Are Fools!’ Utomi Slams APC Over ₦100m SUVs Amid Soldiers’ Poor Salaries

Political economist and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Pat Utomi, has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for distributing luxurious sport utility autos (SUVs) to chose youth leaders forward of the 2027 basic elections.

Utomi questioned the social gathering’s choice to distribute the autos amid financial hardship and considerations about Nigerian troopers’ salaries, arguing that the funds may have been channelled into extra urgent nationwide wants.

In a publish on X on Sunday, the professor faulted the distinction between the costly autos and what he described because the poor remuneration of navy personnel.

“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!” he wrote.

In a separate publish, Utomi questioned the price of the autos, suggesting that the cash spent on them may have been used to enhance emergency healthcare companies.

“Each of the SUVs in this video costs more than ₦100 million. I wonder how many world-class ambulances the millions being spent on these vehicles could buy. What a pity!” he added.

The criticism adopted a video shared by APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, exhibiting brand-new 2026 Toyota Prado SUVs he stated have been introduced to chose youth leaders to assist their mobilisation actions forward of the 2027 elections.

In the accompanying publish, Israel stated the autos got to youth leaders in recognition of their dedication to the social gathering’s actions.

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

Israel additionally expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for what he described as her continued assist for the APC construction beneath his management.

“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 video, which has since been deleted, sparked criticism on social media, with some Nigerians questioning the timing of the distribution in opposition to the backdrop of rising dwelling prices and the financial reforms launched by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The controversy has additionally drawn consideration to questions on political spending, the welfare of navy personnel and the allocation of public sources as political events put together for the 2027 basic elections.

Utomi’s remarks have positioned automobile distribution on the centre of a wider debate over political events’ priorities and the competing calls for for sources in a rustic grappling with financial pressures and safety challenges.