President Tinubu
Bolatito Mercy
The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has announced that President Bola Tinubu’s presidential nomination form for the 2027 election has already been procured. This announcement was made after a group of youths from Kogi State donated ₦100 million to the party for the purchase of the form.
The donation was presented by Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who led the youth delegation to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. Yilwatda expressed gratitude for the gesture, stating that it represents a significant shift in youth political engagement, with supporters focusing on sustaining reforms rather than seeking personal gain.
The APC Chairman emphasized that the party is committed to making the nomination process more inclusive and affordable, reducing the cost of forms by almost 50% compared to previous elections. He urged other groups or individuals planning to purchase the form for Tinubu to stand down, as the process has already been concluded.
The Kogi State youths cited improvements in the economy, security interventions, and youth inclusion in governance as reasons for their support. Governor Ododo described Tinubu’s governance as unprecedented, giving young people space and opportunities.
Yilwatda praised the youths for taking leadership initiative, saying they are not asking what the government can do for them, but what they can do to support Tinubu’s re-election. He described their action as unique and an example to other Nigerian youths.
The APC has received another pledge of ₦200 million from the Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum (NNYLF) for Tinubu’s nomination form, but the payment has not been made yet. Yilwatda assured that the party is prepared for any potential increase in the form’s price.
The party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, noted that 145 aspirants bought governorship forms, 351 obtained senatorial forms, and 1,197 picked House of Representatives forms in the 2023 elections. The presidential nomination form costs ₦100 million.
Tinubu has not formally declared his intention to seek re-election, but party leaders have expressed confidence in his chances of securing another term. The APC is working to make the party more accessible, ensuring money isn’t a barrier for young leaders and women to contest.
The nomination form procurement comes amid economic challenges and security concerns in Nigeria. Tinubu’s administration has focused on improving the economy and tackling insecurity, with some progress reported in Kogi State.
