By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) erupted in cheers and disbelief as a delegation of youths from Kogi State marched in alongside their governor, presenting a ₦100 million cheque, not for contracts, not for appointments but to purchase their party’s presidential nomination form ahead of the 2027 election.
At the centre of the political theatre stood APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, visibly elated as he confirmed the payment had already hit the party’s account.
“This is not a promise. Not a voice note. Not artificial intelligence. Real money paid,” he declared.
The announcement instantly turned what began as a routine visit by Ahmed Usman Ododo into a headline-grabbing political spectacle.
The Moment the Cheque Landed, the hall fell silent as party officials displayed both the dummy cheque and bank confirmation.
Yilwatda called it a historic political shift, youths no longer demand benefits from power, but invest in it.
“For the first time, young Nigerians are not asking what the government will do for them. They are asking what they can do to keep the leadership they believe is working.”
According to him, the Kogi delegation justified their action with three key arguments:
Improving economic indicators
Improved security collaboration
between federal forces and the state
Appointments of Kogi indigene into top national offices
He added that the Governor’s infrastructure and agriculture programmes especially rice production strengthened their confidence.
“We say youths are leaders of tomorrow. Today, they are the leaders of now,” he said.
Then came the bombshell announcement:
“Nobody should bring money again to buy the President’s form. The form has been procured in advance by Kogi youths.”
Asked whether the ₦100 million price tag would remain for 2027, the chairman pivoted to reform.
He revealed the party had already slashed internal election form fees by nearly 50 percent after its latest congresses.
“Money is not our priority, inclusiveness is. The poorest Nigerians must be able to contest.”
The statement signals a possible shift in APC’s nomination pricing model, historically criticised for shutting out young aspirants and women.
When pressed by journalists to showcase his achievements physically, Governor Ododo seized the moment.
“If you want to know what we are doing, come to Kogi. We will provide logistics and security. Go and see yourselves,” he said.
He insisted his administration prefers performance over publicity.
The Governor also credited the President for empowering young leaders nationwide, noting he personally benefited from youth-inclusive governance.
Just when the event seemed over, the Youth Leader, Hon . Monday Anyebe delivered another twist.
“We already have more than ₦100 million reserved if there is any increase.”
The declaration drew applause and stunned murmurs inside the hall.
Analysts present described the episode as more than symbolic support but an early positioning battle ahead of the 2027 race.
Instead of endorsements, the currency was cash.
Instead of lobbying, pre-nomination procurement.
Whether seen as loyalty, strategy, or precedent-setting political theatre, the APC secretariat witnessed a rare moment: a future election campaign beginning not with posters but with a bank alert.
