Okun youths in Kogi State have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for second terms in office ahead of the 2027 elections.

The endorsement was made on Saturday at the OYA 2027 Election Endorsement Rally organised by the Okun Youth Alliance (OYA) Movement in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State. The rally attracted youths from across Okunland.

Speaking at the event, Convener of the OYA Movement, Hon. Oladele John Nihi, said the group’s endorsement of Tinubu was informed by the administration’s interventions in Kogi State, particularly in the Okun axis.

Nihi cited infrastructure development and the appointment of Kogi and Okun indigenes to strategic positions in the Federal Government as factors behind the group’s position.

He specifically mentioned the appointments of Okun indigenes to positions including Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

According to him, the appointments demonstrate increased inclusion of Okun people in national governance under the Tinubu administration.

Nihi also announced the group’s endorsement of Governor Ododo for a second term, citing his administration’s performance and development initiatives across the state.

He said the youths were interested in continuity, arguing that sustained leadership would allow ongoing programmes and development initiatives to receive further attention.

The OYA convener urged Okun youths to remain actively involved in governance and political processes, stressing that their participation should extend beyond elections to policy discussions and determining the developmental priorities of their communities.

The organisers said the rally was aimed at mobilising Okun youths ahead of the 2027 general elections and articulating their position on leadership at the federal and state levels.