Outrage trails Dayo Israel’s distribution of Prado SUVs to APC youth mobilizers, By Oluwatobiloba Olukanni
The National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, has come under criticism following his announcement that he presented brand-new 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado sports utility vehicles (SUVs) to selected youth leaders of the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement, which was accompanied by a video showing seven vehicles, sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the cost of the SUVs and the decision to provide luxury vehicles for political mobilisation amid the country’s economic challenges.
Israel shared the video on his X account on Sunday, October 25, 2026, saying the vehicles were intended to support the election mobilisation activities of selected youth leaders.
“Today, I presented brand new 2026 Prado to my committed selected youth leaders to aid their election mobilisation activities,” he wrote.
He also expressed appreciation to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for what he described as her continued support for the party’s structure under his leadership.
“I am grateful to my Mummy, H.E Mrs Oluremi Tinubu for her continuous support to the party structure under my leadership,” Israel stated.
The APC youth leader further expressed confidence in the party’s ability to mobilise voters across the country ahead of the next general elections.
“The party is supreme and that supremacy will show in our actions in this election period — we will deliver polling unit by polling unit,” he added.
However, the announcement triggered criticism from Nigerians who questioned the priorities of political leaders at a time when many citizens continue to struggle with the rising cost of living.
Meanwhile, Israel deleted the post about three hours after publishing it, although screenshots and recordings of the video continued to circulate on social media. Several social media users criticised the vehicle presentation, arguing that the resources used to acquire the SUVs could have supported essential public services, including healthcare.
One X user, identified as Harmless, questioned the timing of the announcement, drawing a comparison with President Bola Tinubu’s recent comments on hunger and hardship in the country.
“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,” the user wrote.
Another user, Prince Adeshina, questioned the source of the money used to acquire the vehicles, citing the challenges facing some Nigerian hospitals.
“Most hospitals in Nigeria don’t have MRI machines, yet Dayo Israel, a national youth leader of the APC, can buy seven 2026 Prados for his friends? Where did he get the money?” he asked.
The reactions reflected public concerns about political spending, particularly at a time when many households are struggling to afford basic necessities.
The post has also drawn criticism from political opponents, with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) questioning the cost of the vehicles and the priorities behind the gesture. The party estimated that the seven SUVs could cost about ₦1.015 billion, based on its stated price of ₦145 million per vehicle.
The development has continued to fuel debate about political spending, economic hardship and the responsibilities of party leaders as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather pace.
