ABUJA — In a surprising twist to the ongoing national debate over “elite excess,” the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, Senator Kaka Shehu, has rejected a ₦127 million budgetary proposal for an SUV intended for the Presidential Villa, describing the amount as “unacceptable” and “grossly inadequate.”
Speaking during a budget defence session on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Senator Shehu argued that while he supports the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, the nation must not compromise on the quality of vehicles used by the Presidency, particularly regarding security and international image.
The ‘Bulletproof Tokunbo’ Argument
The Senator’s rejection was based on the current market reality of high-end, armoured vehicles. “I will join my colleague in rejecting ₦127 million for an SUV in the Villa,” Shehu stated. “It cannot buy even a bulletproof ‘tokunbo’ (used vehicle). We must project the image of Nigeria positively in the committee of nations.”
Shehu’s remarks suggest that the ₦127 million figure—while appearing large to the average Nigerian—falls short of the multi-billion naira luxury SUV procurements recently seen in other sectors, such as the ₦3 billion spent on Toyota Prados for Sokoto officials.
A Contrast of Realities: SUVs vs. ₦36m Health Budget
The demand for a higher SUV budget has triggered an immediate backlash from civil society, given the stark funding disparities revealed this week:
- The Health Crisis: Just days ago, Health Minister Ali Pate revealed that his ministry received only ₦36 million of its ₦218 billion capital budget.
- Economic Hardship: Critics argue that asking for more than ₦127 million for a single car is an insult to the 133 million Nigerians in poverty, especially as petrol prices near ₦1,000 per litre.
Ego and ‘Distinguished’ Clashes
Shehu’s comments coincide with a day of “extraordinary ego battles” within the National Assembly.
- The Umahi-Oshiomhole Row: Works Minister David Umahi recently fired back at Senator Adams Oshiomhole, asserting, “I am a distinguished Nigerian,” while defending a ₦15 trillion highway budget.
- The ‘Sackcloth’ Protest: In Abia North, women have taken to the streets in sackcloths to ‘curse’ Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, accusing the “distinguished” elite of abandoning the people for personal comfort.
‘Image’ vs. Integrity
While Senator Shehu maintains that a “positive image” requires expensive SUVs, Mr Peter Obi and protesters at the National Assembly gates argue that Nigeria’s image is better projected through electoral integrity and mandatory electronic result transmission.
“If bandits can livestream from forests,” protesters shouted, “the government has no business buying ₦127 million SUVs while claiming there is ‘no network’ to protect our votes.”
As of Thursday morning, February 12, 2026, the Senate Committee has not announced the new “acceptable” figure for the Villa’s SUVs. However, with the national debt at ₦152 trillion and a U.S. Judge demanding President Tinubu’s criminal records, the demand for “luxury image-making” is likely to face stiff public resistance.
