Utomi slams APC over luxury SUVs amid soldiers’ poor salaries
Professor Critiques APC Over SUV Distribution Amid Economic Strain
Pat Utomi, a prominent figure in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has voiced strong criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for distributing luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to select youth leaders.
Utomi raised concerns about the appropriateness of such expenditures in light of ongoing economic difficulties and issues related to military personnel welfare. He emphasized that while Nigerian soldiers are reportedly receiving inadequate salaries, the government has allocated substantial funds for the luxury vehicles.
In a post on social media platform X, Utomi remarked, “Nigerian soldiers are being paid peanuts as salaries, yet an APC youth leader is flaunting SUVs worth billions of naira.” He further emphasized the contrast between the government’s claims of financial constraints and its spending habits.
The professor suggested that the money spent on the SUVs could have been better utilized for essential public services, specifically healthcare. He advocated for the allocation of resources towards providing well-equipped ambulances to enhance emergency medical services in Nigeria. Utomi claims that each SUV showcased in a recent video exceeds a cost of N100 million.
His comments followed the release of a video by Dayo Israel, the APC National Youth Leader, who showcased the newly acquired 2026 Toyota Prado SUVs. Israel stated that the vehicles were distributed to equip youth leaders for voter mobilization efforts in preparation for the 2027 general elections. In his post, he described the distribution as a means to provide logistical support for the campaign ahead of the upcoming elections.
