The youth leaders describe reports of SUV distribution as false and misleading, demanding transparency over the alleged procurement while advocating for youth empowerment initiatives instead of luxury vehicles.
State Youth Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have denied reports that SUV cars were distributed to state youth leaders across the country by the party’s National Youth Leader, Hon. Dayo Israel, describing the reports as false and misleading.
In a disclaimer and clarification issued in response to reports circulating across various media platforms, the state youth leaders maintained that none of their members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had received any SUV from the national youth leader.
The leaders outlined their position as follows:
1. No SUVs Received
The state youth leaders categorically denied receiving any SUV cars from Hon. Dayo Israel, urging party members and the general public to disregard the reports.
2. No Prior Consultation or Information
They stated that they were neither consulted nor informed about any purported procurement, sharing formula or distribution of vehicles, adding that they only learned about the development through media reports.
3. Preference for Youth Empowerment Initiatives
The leaders questioned the necessity of spending resources on luxury vehicles, arguing that Nigerian youths need practical empowerment initiatives rather than what they described as extravagance.
They identified motorcycles, minibuses for mobility, business grants, employment opportunities, skills acquisition centres and small business support as more beneficial interventions for young people.
4. Demand for Explanation from Dayo Israel
The state youth leaders called on the APC National Youth Leader, Hon. Dayo Israel, to provide an immediate and transparent explanation regarding the reports.
They specifically demanded clarification on:
- The identities of the alleged beneficiaries, if any.
- Why the Forum of State Youth Leaders was not informed about the purported distribution.
- The criteria used in selecting beneficiaries, if the distribution actually took place.
They expressed concern over what they described as the use of their names to promote an image or justify expenditures without corresponding benefits reaching them.
5. Reaffirmation of Loyalty to APC and Tinubu
Despite their concerns, the state youth leaders reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to the APC, stating that their focus remained on mobilising young people ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
They pledged to continue working towards the electoral victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates.
The statement, signed by the secretary, identified as Onbeha, urged members of the public and the media to disregard what the leaders described as fake news concerning the alleged distribution of SUVs.
