Youths of Okun Endorse Tinubu, Ododo for Second Terms.

By Desmond

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

The endorsement was made on Saturday, September 19, 2026, during the OYA 2027 Election Endorsement Rally, organised by the Okun Youth Alliance (OYA) Movement at the 1,500-capacity GYB Civic Centre in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The rally attracted youths and other stakeholders from across Okunland, with participants filling the civic centre and adjoining streets.

Speaking at the event, Convener of the OYA Movement, Oladele John Nihi, said the group’s decision to endorse President Tinubu was influenced by what it described as interventions by the Federal Government 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 some of the reasons behind the endorsement.

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

According to Nihi, the appointments represented what the group viewed as increased inclusion of Okun people in national governance under the Tinubu administration.

The OYA leadership also announced its endorsement of Governor Ododo for a second term, citing what Nihi described as the governor’s performance and development initiatives across Kogi State.

He said the youths were particularly interested in continuity, arguing that sustained leadership would provide an opportunity for ongoing programmes and development projects to receive further attention.

Nihi urged Okun youths to remain actively involved in governance and political processes beyond election periods. He said young people should participate in policy discussions and contribute to determining the developmental priorities of their communities rather than limiting their involvement to voting.

The rally also featured speeches and solidarity messages from youth leaders and other stakeholders from across Okunland.

The organisers described the gathering as an expression of political engagement and mobilisation among Okun youths ahead of the 2027 elections.

The endorsement reflects the position of the Okun Youth Alliance and its participating members. It does not necessarily represent the views or voting intentions of every young person in Okunland.

As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, the OYA declaration adds to the growing number of groups publicly stating their positions on leadership at both the federal and state levels.

Source: Vanguard News, Radio Kogi,