Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown a bold challenge at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to lead by example by trading his official Cadillac Escalade for a made-in-Nigeria vehicle such as those produced by Innoson Motors or Nord Automobiles.
Atiku’s statement, which surfaced Tuesday, questioned the sincerity of the administration’s “Nigeria First Policy” — a mantra often repeated in defense of policies geared towards economic patriotism.
“If President Tinubu truly believes in putting Nigeria first, he should start by using Nigerian-made cars. What message does it send when the President drives a foreign luxury car while preaching local patronage?” Atiku queried.
The former vice president, who contested against Tinubu in the 2023 elections, emphasized that genuine leadership should reflect in everyday decisions — including the choice of official vehicles.
Atiku’s challenge comes amid increasing concerns over government expenditure and the importation of luxury goods at a time when the naira is struggling, and inflation continues to bite.
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Nigeria’s first indigenous car manufacturer, and Nord Automobiles, a fast-growing Nigerian auto brand, have long campaigned for increased local adoption, especially within government fleets.
As of press time, the Presidency has not issued an official response to Atiku’s remarks.
