In the wake of intense public anger and social media backlash, the National Youth Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, has quietly deleted a viral video post celebrating the distribution of brand-new 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs to selected party youth coordinators.
The deletion, executed approximately three hours after the video went live on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, underscores growing political sensitivity surrounding extravagant campaign spending during a period of widespread economic hardship across Nigeria.
A brief showcase of luxury ahead of 2027
In the original post uploaded on Sunday, Israel proudly announced the handover of seven multi-million naira 2026 Prado SUVs to key party youth mobilisers.
The vehicles were designated to enhance movement and coordination for political mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his accompanying caption, Israel extended gratitude to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her continued backing of the party’s youth leadership structure under his stewardship.
However, screen recordings and screenshots of the video quickly proliferated across digital platforms before the post was taken down.
Outrage over cost of living and source of funding
The public response was immediate and overwhelming, with critics pointing out the stark contrast between the multi-billion naira fleet presentation and the economic realities faced by ordinary citizens.
Prominent figures, public commentators, and citizens voiced severe concern over the parade of opulence.
Critics questioned whether public revenues, party coffers, or private donations financed the acquisition. Neither Israel nor the APC leadership released a statement detailing the transaction costs or financial source.
Commentators contrasted the estimated ₦1.5 billion vehicle expenditure against severe underfunding in public healthcare, highlighting that many public hospitals lack basic diagnostic tools like MRI machines.
Social commentators noted that celebrating high-end vehicles while citizens endure elevated living costs creates a damaging rift between political elites and the populace.
“At a time when millions are making sacrifices and trusting that reforms will deliver results, this kind of conduct is not helpful,” noted public commentator Dr. Dipo Awojide on X.
Dayo Israel keeps mum following post removal
As of Monday morning, Israel has offered no formal explanation for deleting the post, nor has he addressed the questions raised regarding the origin of the funds used to procure the luxury fleet.
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