A group of youths from Kogi State has raised N100 million to purchase the presidential nomination and expression of interest forms for Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, in a move they described as a show of strong support for his leadership and ongoing reforms.
The N100 million dummy cheque was presented on Monday in Abuja to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, by Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Although President Tinubu has not officially declared his intention to seek reelection in 2027, several party stakeholders have openly expressed confidence that he will contest.
Various organs of the APC, including the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, zonal leadership and the Governors’ Forum, have already declared support for the President.
Speaking while displaying the cheque, APC National Chairman Yilwatda described the development as one of the happiest moments for the party. He commended the Kogi youths for taking what he termed a bold and selfless step.
According to him, the youths decided to raise the funds not to demand benefits from the President, but to demonstrate their commitment to his return in 2027 to continue what they see as progress in economic reforms and security.
Yilwatda said the youths cited improvements in economic indicators and enhanced security efforts in Kogi State as key reasons for their action.
He noted that the President had strengthened security operations in collaboration with the state government, while also appointing several Kogi indigenes into strategic national positions.
He further praised Governor Ododo’s performance in infrastructure, agriculture and youth empowerment, describing it as aligned with the President’s vision of giving young people greater participation in governance.
“This is the first time in Nigeria’s history that youths are not asking what the President will do for them, but are instead contributing to support his re-election,” Yilwatda said. “They have not only made a commitment; they have paid the money into the party’s account.”
He added that this was the second group to indicate interest in purchasing the President’s nomination form, but the first to complete full payment, announcing that the form had now been procured in advance.
In his remarks, Governor Ododo thanked God for what he described as visionary leadership under President Tinubu, stating that the current administration has provided unprecedented opportunities for young people in governance.
He said he was personally a beneficiary of the President’s support for youth inclusion and commended the Kogi youths for what he described as a historic and patriotic gesture.
