Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a blistering attack on President Bola Tinubu over the ₦15.13 billion earmarked for the purchase of 39 Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in the 2026 budget, demanding full disclosure of the controversial deal.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate said figures uncovered by civic organisation Tracka show that the government budgeted an eye-popping ₦387 million for each SUV, insisting Nigerians deserve to know exactly what was bought with their money.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku challenged the Federal Government to immediately publish the make, model, year of manufacture, supplier, contract documents and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of all 39 vehicles.
He argued that if the vehicles have already been delivered, there should be no reason to hide the details. If the procurement is still ongoing, he questioned why such an expensive purchase remains incomplete nearly eight months into the fiscal year.
Atiku mocked the staggering price tag, saying Nigerians would be forgiven for wondering whether the government bought ultra-luxury brands such as Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Ferrari Purosangue, Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, Aston Martin DBX, Range Rover, Brabus G-Class, Cadillac Escalade V or Lexus LX 700h.
“If none of these luxury SUVs was purchased, then what exactly justifies ₦387 million per vehicle?” he asked.
The former vice president also questioned Tinubu’s role in approving the budget, asking whether the President signed the appropriation bill without properly scrutinising the figures or knowingly approved allocations that now require public explanation.
“The buck stops on the President’s desk,” he declared.
Atiku further pointed to Tracka’s report that ₦947.7 billion was allocated for 2,579 empowerment projects, demanding that the government reveal where the projects are located, who will benefit, how contractors were chosen and how execution will be monitored.
He accused the government of preaching sacrifice to Nigerians through subsidy removal, higher electricity tariffs and increased taxes while approving spending that raises serious questions about value for money.
According to him, the only way to end public suspicion is for the government to throw open the records by publishing procurement documents, invoices, suppliers’ details and the chassis numbers of the vehicles.
“If the figures are genuine, the documents will speak for themselves. If they are not, Nigerians deserve to know who turned the purchase of 39 SUVs into a ₦15.13 billion scandal,” Atiku said.
