Professor Pat Utomi, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its distribution of luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to selected youth leaders, questioning the expenditure amid concerns about soldiers’ welfare and Nigeria’s economic challenges.

In a series of posts on X, Utomi faulted the reported spending on expensive vehicles, arguing that it was difficult to justify while Nigerian soldiers were receiving what he described as meagre salaries.

“Nigerian soldiers are being paid peanuts as salaries, yet an APC youth leader is flaunting SUVs worth billions of naira,” he wrote.

Utomi also questioned the government’s spending priorities, recalling previous assurances that public funds were limited. “At this point, they must think we are fools!” he added.

In a separate post, the professor argued that the money spent on the vehicles could have been channelled into essential public services, particularly healthcare. He suggested that the funds could instead have been used to procure well-equipped ambulances to improve emergency medical services.

Utomi further alleged that each SUV featured in the video cost more than N100 million.

His comments followed a video shared by APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel, showing newly acquired 2026 Toyota Prado SUVs. Israel said the vehicles had been distributed to selected youth leaders to support their mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Israel, the vehicles were intended to provide logistical support for youth leaders responsible for mobilising voters and advancing the party’s electoral campaign.

The distribution has drawn criticism from Utomi, who questioned whether the expenditure reflected appropriate priorities given the concerns he raised about military welfare, healthcare and public finances.