Despite mounting security concerns in Kogi State, a coalition of youths from the state has donated ₦100 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the procurement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 presidential nomination and expression of interest forms.
The ruling party formally acknowledged receipt of the funds on Monday at its national secretariat in Abuja, declaring that no further contributions would be required for the president’s forms.
National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who received the delegation alongside Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, confirmed that the ₦100 million had been paid directly into the party’s account.
“With this payment, henceforth, nobody should bother to bring money to buy a form for Mr President again, because the form has been procured in advance,” Yilwatda said. “This is not a promissory note. The money has been received.”
The chairman, ENigeria Newspaper learnt, commended the youths for what he described as a rare political gesture, noting that unlike other groups who often seek appointments or patronage, the Kogi delegation came solely to demonstrate support.
“They are not saying take us to Mr President for anything. They are saying we want to buy the form for him. That is unique,” he added.
Donation amid security strains
The donation comes at a time when parts of Kogi State, particularly in the western senatorial district, have witnessed a resurgence of kidnapping, highway attacks and assaults on rural communities.
In recent months, armed groups have reportedly targeted commuters along major routes, attacked places of worship and struck mining communities, heightening fears among residents. Security agencies have responded with joint air and ground operations aimed at dismantling criminal camps and restoring order in affected areas.
On the 18th of February, security operatives confirmed a joint bandit attack on Kogi and Plateau, leaving about four people dead.
A month ago, unknown gunmen attack the Obajana Police Headquarters in Kogi, leaving one dead.
On the 14th of December, armed men riding motorbikes attacked the Ayetoro-Kiri hamlet in Kabba/Bunu LGA, Kogi State. At least thirty locals were kidnapped, the majority of which were elderly worshippers and children. Before escaping through neighbouring forests, the assailants broke into houses and places of worship.
Communities in several local government areas have faced disruptions to economic and social activities, as schools, markets and religious centres adjust schedules in response to security advisories.
Only on Monday, the state announced that it was reopening schools after they were shut down for three weeks because of threats from bandits and terrorists.
While state authorities have maintained that efforts are ongoing to curb criminal activities, the prevailing insecurity has remained a major concern among citizens.
Youths defend move
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the Kogi youth leader, Mr. Mundi, said the donation was motivated by what he described as positive economic indicators under Tinubu’s administration, as well as the president’s support for youth inclusion in governance.
He cited federal appointments given to indigenes of the state and the perceived synergy between the federal government and Governor Ododo in addressing local security challenges.
Governor Ododo, for his part, described himself as a beneficiary of the president’s youth-friendly policies and urged critics to visit Kogi State to assess ongoing infrastructural projects.
“In the history of this country, no government has given youths space as much as Mr President has done,” he said.
When asked about the possibility of an upward review of the nomination form fees for the 2027 election cycle, the youth leader stated that the group had reserved additional funds beyond the initial ₦100 million to accommodate any increase.
Party signals inclusiveness
Addressing concerns about the cost of nomination forms, Yilwatda hinted that the party’s National Working Committee was considering measures to make the process more affordable in future cycles.
“For us, money is not the priority. Inclusiveness is. We want to make the party accessible so that money will not be a barrier for young people and the poorest of the poor to contest,” he said.
The development underscores the growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, even as security and governance remain dominant issues in Kogi and other parts of the country.
