Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo led a delegation of Kogi youths on Monday to present N100 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to purchase Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The presentation, held at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, marks one of the earliest organised financial commitments towards Tinubu’s potential re-election bid.

The fund is expected to cover the cost of the party’s presidential nomination and expression of interest forms should the President formally declare his intention to seek a second term.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the party, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda described the gesture as bold and symbolic, urging other groups considering purchasing the forms for the President to reconsider.

According to him, the Kogi youths were the second group to indicate interest in buying the nomination forms, although the first group had yet to make any financial commitment.

“We are seeing young people from Kogi State taking decisive action — not asking what the government will do for them, but what they can do to support Mr President,” Yilwatda said.

He stated that the youths cited improvements in the economy and progress in tackling insecurity as key reasons for their support.

“They believe the economy is stabilising and that security interventions in their state have improved. They also acknowledge the opportunities given to young Nigerians in governance,” he added.

The APC chairman emphasised that the current administration has created space for youth participation in leadership, noting that several young Nigerians have been appointed into strategic positions across government and party structures.

“That is why they have donated N100 million for the President to procure his nomination and expression of interest forms. We are proud of Kogi youths,” he said.

Governor Ododo, in his remarks, said the Tinubu administration has given young Nigerians unprecedented opportunities.

“In the history of Nigeria, no government has given youths as much space as this administration. I am a beneficiary of that opportunity,” Ododo stated.

He described the donation as a voluntary demonstration of appreciation and confidence in the President’s leadership.

Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not yet released the timetable for the 2027 general elections, political activities within major parties are gradually gaining momentum.

Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has embarked on sweeping economic reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange rate. While the policies initially triggered economic strain and inflationary pressures, the presidency maintains that the reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth.

The APC has consistently described recent electoral victories in local and off-cycle elections as endorsements of the President’s reform agenda.

The N100 million presentation by Kogi youths, therefore, signals not only symbolic backing but also early political mobilisation within the ruling party ahead of what is expected to be a competitive 2027 presidential race.