2027: Kogi Youths Donate N100 Million for Procurement of Nomination Form for Tinubu

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has received a historic donation of One Hundred Million Naira, ₦100,000,000.00, from youths of Kogi State towards procurement of the Presidential Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

Receiving the donation at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday, the National Chairman of the party, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, described the gesture as unprecedented and deeply symbolic of the growing confidence Nigerian youths have in the leadership and performance of President Tinubu.

He noted that the donation marked a defining moment in the nation’s democratic journey, as the youths were not seeking personal benefits or political appointments, but, driven by sincere desire to support the President’s continuity in office.

“The Kogi youths cited measurable improvements in the economy, positive national indicators, enhanced security in their State, and inclusive governance as reasons for their action.”

Advertisement

He highlighted that President Tinubu is working closely with the Kogi State Government, strengthening security through decisive military support and provision of enabling logistics to curb criminal activities within communities.

“President Tinubu is committed to youth inclusion,” pointing to the unprecedented number of young Nigerians appointed into strategic leadership positions, including top military, party, and public sector roles, stressing that, “this deliberate policy has redefined youths not as leaders of tomorrow, but as “leaders of today.”

Professor Yilwatda also commended the infrastructural and social development initiatives of Kogi State Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo, particularly in road construction, cultural revitalisation, youth empowerment, and leadership development programmes such as the ‘RISE’ initiative.

The APC National Chairman also, emphasized that this was not a pledge or promise, but an outright financial contribution.

Advertisement

Describing the gesture as unique in Nigeria’s political history, Professor Yilwatda announced that, with this donation, the Presidential Nomination Form for President Tinubu has effectively been procured, and no further fundraising for that purpose is required.

“This is the first time youths are not asking to see the President or requesting anything from Government, but, buying form for him. You are torchbearers, pillars, and an example to youths across Nigeria,” he stated.

In a symbolic and practical demonstration of commitment, the Kogi youths presented both the cheque and evidence of payment, confirming that the ₦100 million donation was fully remitted to the party.

Responding to questions on the cost of nomination forms, the APC Chairman reiterated the party’s commitment to inclusiveness, noting that the APC has significantly reduced the cost of its forms by nearly 50 percent, compared to previous cycles, to ensure broader participation, particularly for youths and women, noting that financial barriers should not stand in the way of credible leadership aspirations within the party.

Advertisement

In his remarks, Governor Ododo expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his fatherly leadership and unwavering support for Nigerian youths, noting that no administration in the country’s history has created as much space for young people in governance as the current one.

Also speaking, the State Youth Leader, Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, assured the party that the youths have already made contingency arrangements, reserving additional funds to cover any possible upward review of the nomination costs.

The APC leadership, therefore, commended the Kogi youths for their patriotism, loyalty, and exemplary political consciousness, describing the donation as “a strong vote of confidence in President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ and a powerful signal of grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general election in the country.”