In a significant political move, the Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Chief Asiwaju Asiru Idris, has kick-started grassroots campaigns for the 2027 re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. The launch was marked by a massive empowerment programme and cash disbursements running into millions of naira.
Birthday Celebration Transforms into Political Rally
The commissioner used his birthday ceremony on 23 December 2025 to inaugurate the Tinubu/Ododo 2027 Continuity Support Group. He stated that the gesture was his personal support for the continuity and consolidation of what he described as good governance in Kogi State under the current administrations.
"I have witnessed the transformation and positive impact made by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo since they assumed office in 2023," Idris said. "Therefore, I decided to reciprocate their efforts by launching their continuity campaign in my immediate community with these empowerments."
Multi-Million Naira Empowerment Details
The empowerment programme, held in the southern axis of Yagba East Local Government Area, involved substantial financial support and material items. The key disbursements included:
- ₦50,000 each to hundreds of beneficiaries across all six wards in the area. The recipients were grassroots supporters, artisans, traders, youths, and vulnerable individuals, with the aim of stimulating small-scale businesses.
- ₦250,000 each to 35 selected business entrepreneurs within Yagba East to boost small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
- ₦15 million presented to APC Party Executives at the Ward and Local Government levels.
- ₦1 million each to five APC Women Leaders, totalling ₦5 million, in recognition of their leadership and commitment.
Vehicles and Equipment Boost Grassroots Mobilisation
Beyond cash, the commissioner distributed several mobility and livelihood items to strengthen party structure and community support. These included:
- A bus donated to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Yagba East Chapter.
- Four cars given to loyal party stakeholders.
- Ten motorcycles to enhance grassroots mobilisation efforts.
- Other empowerment items such as deep freezers, power generators, clippers, hair dryers, and sewing machines.
- Essential welfare packages including foodstuffs, clothing, and bags of rice.
Stakeholders Hail Gesture as Tangible Benefit
Attendees and stakeholders at the event praised Chief Asiru Idris, describing him as a leader whose personal celebrations consistently translate into direct benefits for the people. They noted that his approach combines infrastructure development, economic empowerment, party unity, and social welfare.
This event signals a robust early start to the campaign machinery for the 2027 elections in Kogi State, emphasizing a strategy of direct grassroots economic engagement alongside political messaging.
