Youths from across the 21 local government areas in Kogi state have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for re-election in the 2027 general elections, citing what they described as tangible achievements in security, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth empowerment at both national and state levels.

The endorsement took place at a well-attended youth rally in Lokoja at the weekend by leaders of youth organisations, students’ bodies and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo said the endorsement of President Tinubu reflects Kogi State’s appreciation of his commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians especially the people of Kogi state.

He highlighted the president’s people-friendly policies aimed at easing economic hardship, describing him as courageous, visionary and purpose-driven leader.

“No administration has empowered the youth like that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the governor said.

He also commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noting that her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has significantly benefited women, vulnerable persons, the elderly and persons with disabilities in Kogi State.

Governor Ododo accepted the endorsement with humility and urged youths to come out en masse to vote for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

He added that the presentation of a ₦100 million cheque for the president’s nomination form symbolises Kogi State’s appreciation of the courageous and selfless leadership of the president.

APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, said President Tinubu’s policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda—particularly in education, women empowerment and youth development—have earned him widespread support among youths in Nigeria.

He also praised Governor Ododo’s performance, noting that his strides in security, road infrastructure, education and healthcare have positioned Kogi as a model that has attracted national youth support.

“We are here today to celebrate and endorse two great men of our generation,” Israel said.

APC Youth Leader in Kogi State, Muhammed Muhammed, said youths in the state have experienced “tremendous positive change” under Governor Ododo’s administration.

He noted that deliberate empowerment initiatives have helped redirect young people away from crime and criminal activities.

According to him, Kogi youths will not allow any individual or group to distract the administrations of Governor Ododo and President Tinubu, from their commitment to peace and security in the state and country.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe, said Kogi youths remain engaged and active under what he described as the purposeful leadership of Governor Ododo.

He pointed to deliberate policies aimed at unlocking the potential of young people across the state.

Anyebe disclosed that over 3,000 youths have been trained in various vocational and educational skills, while student bursaries, scholarships and improved welfare packages for corps members have empowered thousands of young people in the state.

He said the rally was also an opportunity for youths to thank the governor for believing in them and for ensuring meaningful youth inclusion in governance, adding that young people must work towards the re-election of both leaders in recognition of their commitment to peace, progress and purposeful leadership.

President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Babangida Isah described Governor Ododo’s leadership as as a good example for the youth and commended President Tinubu for policies focused on economic resilience, national productivity and youth development.

He said Kogi youths have made a conscious decision to support the political future of both leaders in 2027.

The President of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), Sunday Adeola also praised Governor Ododo for the financial support to students, noting that the administration has improved access to health services, security and strengthened the voice of students in governance.

Other youth leaders in the state pledged their continuous support to the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Meanwhile, the State Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Bello commended the governor for involving youths in governance and creating platforms for them to showcase their talents.

He assured that Kogi youths are ready to deliver overwhelming votes for President Tinubu and Governor Ododo in 2027.