• Party leadership says no further donations needed
Kogi youths, led by the state governor, Usman Ododo, on Monday donated ₦100 million to the All Progressives Congress to procure the 2027 nomination and expression of interest forms for President Bola Tinubu.
Receiving the donation at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the move as unprecedented, saying the youths had chosen to support the President rather than ask for personal benefits.
“Today is one of the happiest moments in this party. We are seeing young people not asking what the government or the President will do for them, but asking what they can do to support Mr. President,” Yilwatda said.
He added that the donors gave reasons for their action, including what they described as improvements in the economy and security.
“They said the economy has improved and the indicators are looking green and positive. They also said Mr. President is tackling security in their state, working with the Governor to deal with pockets of insecurity in communities,” he said.
According to him, the youths also praised the President for appointing Kogi indigenes to key positions. “They mentioned appointments like the Chief of Army Staff, the INEC Chairman and several others given to Kogi people,” he said.
Yilwatda also commended Governor Ododo’s performance in office, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture and youth empowerment.
“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. You can see it in the appointments and in governance,” he said.
The APC chairman stressed that the donation was not a pledge but a fulfilled commitment. “This is not a promise. This is not a voice note. This is not AI. This is real money. The cash has been paid into the party’s account,” he said.
He announced that with the payment, no further donations were needed for the purchase of the President’s form. “With this payment, nobody should bother bringing money again to buy a form for Mr. President. The form has been procured in advance,” Yilwatda added.
Asked whether the party would retain the ₦100 million cost of nomination forms in 2027, Yilwatda said the APC had already reduced the cost of forms by almost 50 per cent during its recent congresses.
“Our priority is inclusiveness. Money should not be a barrier. If you have leadership quality, money should not stop you from contesting in our party,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Ododo said his administration preferred performance on the ground to social media publicity.
“If you want to know what we are doing, you are free to come to Kogi. We will provide logistics and security. Go around and report what you see,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, their leader, Hon. Monday Anyebe, the Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, said they were ready to do more if necessary.
“We already have more than ₦100 million reserved in case there is any increase above the amount already donated,” he said.
