By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
What began as a routine youth endorsement rally in Lokoja on Sunday swiftly transformed into a powerful political statement ahead of the 2027 general elections, as youths of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State presented a N100 million cheque for the purchase of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election nomination form, signalling early mobilisation and growing support for the President’s second-term bid.
The cheque was presented to Governor Ahmed Ododo at the Youths Endorsement Rally held at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, by Babangida Onimisi, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN). Onimisi said the gesture represented the collective decision of Kogi youths to endorse President Tinubu for a second term in office.
According to him, the endorsement was driven by the need to consolidate what he described as the foundation laid by the President for a better and more prosperous Nigeria.
He said Tinubu’s leadership has been “purposeful and impactful,” adding that its effects are visible across the country.
“Your Excellency, the N100 million cheque we are presenting today is for the purchase of the presidential nomination form for our President,” Onimisi said.
“We want to continue with Tinubu’s promising journey to the promised land for the good of all Nigerians. Our votes are for Tinubu come 2027.”
Onimisi also commended Governor Ododo for what he described as impressive developmental strides recorded in Kogi State within his first two years in office, assuring him of the unwavering support of youths for a second term in 2028.
Speaking at the rally, APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, described President Tinubu and Governor Ododo as leaders of the present generation whose policies and programmes have positively impacted Nigerian youths.
Israel said government interventions under the Tinubu administration have touched students, young entrepreneurs, and grassroots communities across the country.
Similarly, the Kogi State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, said President Tinubu would be remembered for transforming Nigeria’s economy, while Governor Ododo would be remembered for governing the state with humility and a development-driven mindset.
Bello praised the youths for what he described as a bold and patriotic move, noting that continuity in leadership remains critical to sustaining development at both the national and state levels.
The Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Monday Anyebe, said Nigerian youths must rise above ego-driven politics and work collectively for national progress.
“The task ahead of Nigerian youths is too important for selfish politics,” Anyebe said.
“We must work together for the re-election of President Tinubu and the continued success of Governor Ododo, whose leadership has remained a beacon of stability and progress in Kogi.”
Responding, Governor Ododo thanked the youths for entrusting him with the responsibility of delivering the cheque to President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential nomination form.
He said the gesture underscored a broader political choice facing Nigerians ahead of the next election cycle.
“What you have done today is to clearly tell the President that the 2027 election will not be between political parties alone,” Ododo said.
“It will be between vision and empty rhetoric; between courage and cowardice; between those fixing Nigeria and those who destroyed it.”
Ododo added that the election would not be defined by ethnic or sectional divisions but by leadership capacity and commitment to national development.
“Your message will be delivered. Nigerians appreciate courageous, selfless and compassionate leadership,” he said.
The governor noted that President Tinubu’s mandate aligns with the aspirations of Nigerian youths, stressing that every effort by the administration is aimed at securing better opportunities for future generations.
“We will not fail our generation. We are doing this together for the greatness of Kogi and Nigeria,” Ododo added.
Hundreds of APC youths drawn from the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State were reported to have attended the rally, underscoring growing youth engagement and early political alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
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