2027: Ogun youths declare for Tinubu, back Abiodun’s senatorial bid

2026-02-12 - 18:09

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta Thousands of youths in Ogun State have declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, pledging sustained mobilisation across the state to ensure his victory at the polls. The youths also threw their weight behind Governor Dapo Abiodun’s aspiration to represent Ogun East Senatorial District, describing his administration as youth-focused and development-driven. The declaration followed a colourful loyalty walk held in Ijebu-Ode, where participants marched through major streets with banners and solidarity songs before converging on the Awujale Pavilion for a rally. Delivering a keynote address titled, “From Policy to Prosperity: Youth-Centred Economic Pathway under Dapo Abiodun Administration,” the State Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, described Ogun youths as “drivers of prosperity” under the present administration. Okubadejo, who was represented by the Government Liaison Officer for Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Olatokunbo Tosin, said the state government’s development blueprint, the ISEYA Agenda, prioritises inclusiveness, sustainability, education, youth empowerment and agriculture. “Policies do not change lives. Outcomes do. Budgets do not empower people. Impact does,” he said, stressing that the Abiodun administration is committed to measurable results. He explained that youth empowerment under the current government is a deliberate economic strategy aimed at enhancing productivity and ensuring long-term growth. “Under Governor Dapo Abiodun, youth empowerment is not treated as a social afterthought; it is treated as economic infrastructure,” Okubadejo stated. Highlighting achievements of the administration, he cited the Ogun State Youth Empowerment Programme, which he said has equipped thousands of young people with vocational skills and financial support. He also underscored investments in agriculture, noting its capacity to create jobs and stimulate economic expansion. “Ogun State is young. Our population structure is youthful, our energy is dynamic, and our potential is vast. But potential alone does not create prosperity. What creates prosperity is intentional policy backed by disciplined implementation and strategic investment. That is why this administration has focused on youth-centred economic pathways, not as charity, but as a deliberate economic strategy,” he added. Okubadejo charged the youths to take ownership of the opportunities being created for them and to remain committed to sustaining the state’s development trajectory. Speaking with journalists, National President of the APC Youth League, Comrade Olamide Lawal, recalled that supporters of Governor Abiodun were allegedly attacked at the same venue in the build-up to the 2019 general elections, but noted that the governor ultimately emerged victorious. “Despite all odds, Governor Abiodun emerged victorious in 2019 and again in 2023. We are here today to appreciate performance and reaffirm our loyalty,” Lawal said. He explained that since 2020, the APC Youth League has marked the date annually with empowerment programmes and freedom walks to celebrate resilience and political progress in the state. “For leaders who have done so much, Ogun youths must show genuine love and unwavering support. We will continue to mobilise, educate and sensitise our members on the achievements of the government. The confidence displayed today is rooted in performance,” he added. Also speaking, Ogun State Coordinator of the APC Youth League, Yunus Fayomi, said the solidarity walk was aimed at reaffirming the commitment of Ogun youths to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress at both the state and federal levels. “We stand firmly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun. We believe in their visions and remain committed to supporting policies that have been driving development in Ogun State and Nigeria at large,” Fayomi said. In his remarks, the National President of the National Association of Ogun State Students, Comrade Oluwafemi Ajayi, commended ongoing federal reforms and the Abiodun administration’s emphasis on infrastructure, youth empowerment and economic growth. Ajayi noted that the state government has prioritised job creation, capacity building and youth welfare initiatives, describing the solidarity walk as a clear demonstration of support for the APC-led administrations. Similarly, Lamidi Olalekan, representing the Nigeria Youth Organisation, Ogun State chapter; Chairman of the Nigeria Youth Organisation, Saka Olarenweju; and Chairperson of the Nigeria Youth Congress, Ogun State chapter, Princess Adesewa Ibirogba, reaffirmed their organisations’ support for the APC at both the state and federal levels.