Okun youths on Saturday endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for second terms in office.
The endorsement was made at a political 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, tagged the OYA 2027 Election Endorsement Rally, attracted youths from across Okunland, with participants filling the venue and adjoining streets.
Speaking at the event, OYA Convener, Hon. Oladele John Nihi, said the group’s endorsement of Tinubu was based on what he described as 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 as 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, among others.
According to him, the appointments demonstrated increased inclusion of Okun people in national governance under the Tinubu administration.
The OYA convener also announced the group’s endorsement of Ododo for a second term, citing what he described as the governor’s performance and development initiatives across the state.
Nihi said the youths were particularly interested in continuity, arguing that sustained leadership would allow ongoing programmes and development initiatives to receive further attention.
He urged Okun youths to remain actively engaged in governance and political processes, saying young people should not limit their participation to elections but contribute to shaping policies and determining the developmental priorities of their communities.
The rally also featured speeches and solidarity messages from youth leaders and stakeholders across Okunland.
The organisers described the gathering as a demonstration of the political mobilisation of Okun youths ahead of the 2027 general elections.
