By Danjuma Amodu | January 26, 2026
In a show of unwavering support, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) presented a ₦100 million cheque to Governor Ahmed Ododo to bankroll President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. The donation was made at the Youths Endorsement Rally in Lokoja, where youths lauded Tinubu’s “purposeful and impactful” leadership.
Babangida Onimisi, NYCN President, declared that the endorsement was a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s progress, saying, “We want to continue with Tinubu’s promising journey to the promised land, for the good of all citizens of this country.”
Governor Ododo hailed the youths’ gesture, stating that it underscored Nigerians’ appetite for courageous and compassionate leadership. “What you have done is to clearly tell the President that the 2027 election is not between political parties alone but between vision and mere rhetoric; between boldness and cowardice; and between good and bad,” he said.
The APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, praised Tinubu and Ododo as “great men of the present generation” whose policies have transformed Nigerian youths’ lives. Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, Kogi APC Chairman, commended the youths for their bold move, saying it would ensure continuity and progress in the state and country.
Also, the Kogi State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, added that while Tinubu would be remembered for transforming the nation’s economy, Ododo would be remembered for ruling Kogi with humility that triggered growth and development.
The Youths and Sports Commissioner, Mr. Monday Anyebe, stressed that Nigerian youths must unite behind Tinubu’s re-election bid, saying, “We must work together for the re-election of President Tinubu and the continued success of Ododo, whose leadership remains a beacon of stability and progress in Kogi.”
Controversy Surrounds Endorsement
However, the endorsement has been marred by controversy as corps members serving in Kogi State allege they were deceived into attending the rally, thinking it was a youth empowerment programme. The NYSC authorities have issued a statement claiming the event was part of a youth programme to commemorate Governor Ododo’s two-year anniversary, but corps members remain unconvinced, arguing that the event violated the neutrality expected of NYSC activities.
Allegations of Deception
Corps members claim they were told to dress in mufti uniforms and attend a “general meeting,” but instead found themselves in the midst of a political rally. The invitation circular, which was reportedly sent to the corps members, did not mention the political nature of the event, leading to the allegations of deception.
The NYSC authorities issued a statement attempting to clarify the situation, saying the event was organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to commemorate Governor Ododo’s two-year anniversary, and that NYSC was invited as part of the youth ministry’s programmes. However, the corps members remain unconvinced, arguing that the event violated the neutrality expected of NYSC activities.
Reactions to the Endorsement
The senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Karimi, has declared that Kogites need no bullying by influence peddlers to vote President Bola Tinubu in 2027. He criticised the rally, calling it “insensitive, unnecessary, and pre-emptive” and questioning the rationale of compelling citizens to gather for an election still over a year away.
“The people of Kogi West do not need to be bullied or influenced by anyone to decide who to vote for in 2027,” Karimi said in a statement issued by his media aide, Busayo Tosin. “We are capable of making our own decisions and will not be swayed by empty rhetoric and propaganda.”
But the Kogi Alliance for Renewed Hope (KARH) opposed Karimi, saying they support the rally as it reflects the genuine will of the people of Kogi State.
NYSC Responds to Allegations of Deception
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Kogi State authorities have issued a statement defending their actions, saying the youth programme was organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to commemorate Governor Ahmed Ododo’s two-year anniversary. The statement, issued through a Local Government Inspector (LGI) via a purported WhatsApp group, did not disclose the inspector’s name.
“We want to address you about the youth programme held at Muhammadu Buhari Square yesterday. It was organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to commemorate His Excellency’s two-year anniversary. NYSC falls under the Youth Ministry, so we were invited,” the statement read.
The NYSC authorities claimed that the Commissioner for Youth and Sports has been a big supporter of the Scheme in Kogi State, sponsoring many youth programmes benefiting corps members. The statement also explained that the governor had recently supported corps members with ₦20,000 each as transportation fare to their places of primary assignment and that the event was meant to celebrate his achievements.
“I marked attendance and let you return to lodges when I saw your discomfort, as it was meant to celebrate His Excellency’s achievements. Sorry for the inconvenience. Your welfare is my priority, and I’d never intentionally inconvenience you,” the statement concluded.
