A group of youths from Kogi State has raised N100 million to purchase the presidential nomination form of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
The youths described the move as a demonstration of their support for the President’s leadership and ongoing reforms.
The N100 million dummy cheque was presented to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, in Abuja on Monday.
Although Tinubu has yet to officially declare his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, several party leaders and supporters believe he will seek re-election. As a result, various organs of the APC, including the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, zonal leadership and the Governors’ Forum, have declared their support for him.
Speaking to journalists while displaying the N100 million cheque, Yilwatda described the occasion as one of the happiest moments for the party.
He said the Kogi youths decided to act not by asking what the President could do for them, but by asking how they could support him to return in 2027.
According to Yilwatda, the youths cited economic improvement and efforts to address insecurity as reasons for raising the funds.
“They said the economy has improved and that the indicators are looking green and positive,” he stated. “They also said Mr President is tackling security in their state, working together with the Governor to address pockets of insecurity within communities.”
He added that the President had deployed the military to the state, while the governor provided the enabling environment and support equipment to enhance security operations.
Yilwatda further noted that the youths acknowledged Tinubu’s appointments of Kogi indigenes into key positions, including the Chief of Army Staff and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He also commended Governor Ododo’s performance in infrastructure, road construction and agriculture, particularly highlighting the state’s rice programme and youth empowerment initiatives.
“We often say the youths are the leaders of tomorrow, but Mr Ododo and Mr President are saying the youths are the leaders of today,” Yilwatda said, adding that many young people have been appointed into governance and party leadership roles.
He emphasised that the N100 million had already been paid into the party’s account.
“This is not a promise. This is not a voice note. This is not AI. This is real money,” he said. “With this payment, nobody should bother bringing money again to buy the form for Mr President, because the form has already been procured in advance by the Kogi youths.”
Also speaking, Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a sincere leader at a critical time in the nation’s history.
He said no previous administration had given youths the space and opportunities currently available under Tinubu’s leadership, adding that he was a beneficiary of the President’s support for young leaders.
The development signals growing momentum within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections, as supporters continue to rally around the President despite his yet-to-be-declared candidacy.
