Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State presented a cheque of N100 million to the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to cover the nomination and expression of interest forms for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ododo led a delegation of youths from Kogi State to the APC national secretariat, where the cheque was formally handed over. The funds are intended to secure President Tinubu’s participation in the party’s primary election for a second term bid.
Receiving the cheque, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, confirmed that the party had received the money. He stated that the payment had been completed and credited to the party’s account.
Yilwatda described the gesture as a demonstration of commitment and support from young people in Kogi State. He said the group was the second entity to indicate interest in purchasing the President’s nomination form.
According to him, the first group that showed interest had yet to fulfill any financial obligation. He advised other individuals or groups considering similar moves to reconsider their plans.
The APC chairman said the Kogi youths decided to support the President’s re-election not by making demands, but by contributing financially to his political ambition. He noted that they believe Tinubu should return in 2027 to continue his policies and programmes.
Yilwatda said the youths gave reasons for their action, including what they described as improvements in the economy. He stated that they pointed to positive economic indicators as evidence of progress under the current administration.
He also said security efforts in Kogi State were cited as part of their justification. According to him, President Tinubu had deployed military personnel to address security challenges, while Governor Ododo provided support and logistics to strengthen operations.
The APC chairman further stated that the youths acknowledged federal appointments given to individuals from Kogi State. He mentioned positions such as the Chief of Army Staff, the APC National Chairman, and other key appointments.
Yilwatda added that the delegation praised Governor Ododo’s performance in office. He said they referenced infrastructure development, road connectivity, cultural initiatives, and youth empowerment programmes in the state.
He emphasized that both President Tinubu and Governor Ododo have promoted youth inclusion in governance. He pointed to the appointment of young people to leadership roles in government agencies and within the party structure.
Yilwatda recalled that he became one of the youngest National Party Chairmen during Tinubu’s tenure. He said this reflected the administration’s approach to youth participation in leadership.
“That’s why they have donated the sum of 100 million Naira to Mr President for him to procure his nomination form and expression of interest form,” he said. He described the action as one that made party members proud.
While addressing concerns about the authenticity of the payment, Yilwatda stressed that the funds were real and not symbolic. He displayed both a dummy cheque and confirmation of the bank draft.
“We have both the cash in our accounts and we have also the dummy,” he said. “This is not a voice note. This is not a promissory note. This is a commitment.”
Governor Ododo, in his remarks, commended President Tinubu for providing opportunities for young people in governance. He said no previous administration had created as much space for youth participation as the current government.
Ododo described himself as a beneficiary of the President’s leadership style. He reiterated the commitment of Kogi youths to support Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027.
The presentation of the cheque comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the next general elections. The APC is expected to announce its official timetable for the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms at a later date.
