Ahead of the 2027 general election, a Kogi-born grassroots politician and renowned philanthropist, Hon. Joshua Yakubu, has pledged to double his efforts towards canvassing support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State.
The commitment was expressed during the installation of campaign billboards at selected locations across Kogi East, signalling the beginning of a broader grassroots mobilisation campaign ahead of the 2027 elections. The initiative is designed to sustain political awareness and strengthen support for the APC across the region.
“This is just the beginning. We did this 2023 and here we are again. We are taking this campaign to every corner of Kogi East, and these billboards represent our determination to keep the message of good governance visible to our people,” Hon. Yakubu said.
A prominent figure from Abocho in Dekina Local Government Area, Hon. Yakubu has built his political profile through sustained grassroots engagement, personal relationships and active participation in APC activities. His network cuts across party leaders, elders, women, youths and polling-unit structures within Dekina and the wider Kogi East.
“Our support for President Tinubu and Governor Ododo is not seasonal. It is rooted in a genuine belief in continuity and stability for our people. We are not just individuals, we are a formidable group of people across various pressure groups who believed in me and have pledged allegiance to my political leanings,” he stated.
Having participated actively in the mobilisation that contributed to the APC’s success in the last election, Hon. Yakubu said the experience had strengthened his determination to contribute even more in 2027. He intends to build on existing structures while expanding his reach to more communities and voters.
“Politics anywhere in the world is local. The seat of power may be in the city but the electoral votes that deliver that seat are more in the rural communities. We have seen what grassroots unity can achieve, and in 2027, we intend to do even more,” he remarked.
His support for President Tinubu is anchored on his confidence in the direction of the Federal Government and his belief that citizens at the grassroots should better understand government policies and programmes. He similarly expressed strong support for Governor Ododo, whom he described as committed to the development of Kogi State.
“The achievements of this administration deserve to be communicated properly to our people, and that responsibility begins with us at the grassroots. Some policies take time to yield result and that is exactly what is going on with our country now. Nigeria is going through reforms and Mr president is working hard to give us a Nigeria that we can be proud of through strategic restructuring. Also, Governor Ododo has shown capacity and commitment to Kogi State, and it is our duty to ensure that this commitment translates into continued support at the polls, including payment of workers’ salary which uses to be a prayer point before now” he mused..
Hon. Yakubu believes that successful political mobilisation depends on direct engagement with the people. His approach places importance on reaching communities, markets, homes and local political structures where political conversations take place.
“You cannot win elections from the comfort of an office. You win them on the streets, in the markets, and in people’s homes and that is what my team and I are committed to do in order to bring victory home for our dear party, the APC,” he said.
His grassroots activities have also been shaped by a strong understanding of the role played by local party structures. He regards polling-unit leaders, elders, women and youths as critical links between political leadership and the electorate.
“These are the people who carry our message from house to house. Without them, no campaign can succeed. We are not starting from zero; we are building on a foundation that has already proven strong,” he noted.
Beyond politics, Hon. Yakubu’s academic background has equipped him with a strong understanding of economic and public policy issues. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Political Economy, qualifications that inform his perspective on governance and the everyday challenges facing citizens.
“Economics teaches you to think about people’s daily struggles, and that is exactly what politics should be about. People want leaders who listen and respond, not leaders who disappear after elections,” he said.
His political journey has also demonstrated party discipline. In 2023, he stepped down from his ambition to contest for the Kogi State House of Assembly in response to party direction and continued to support the party’s broader electoral objectives.
“Loyalty to the party matters more than personal ambition. I have no regrets about the choice I made. Politics is a team effort; no single individual builds a party alone,” he stated.
Hon. Yakubu has remained engaged with political activities involving leaders across Kogi East and at the national and state levels, including President Tinubu, Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho, former Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
His public profile is equally associated with philanthropy and community support. His willingness to assist people and engage with young people has contributed to the goodwill he enjoys, particularly in Abocho and Dekina.
“Giving back to my community is not something I do for politics. It is who I am. The youths are the engine room of any political movement. We must carry them along, listen to them, and give them a stake in the process,” he said.
Hon. Yakubu also advocates sustained political engagement beyond election periods, arguing that meaningful relationships with citizens must be maintained throughout the political cycle. He also paid tribute to his political leader Alhaji Okala, the state Auditor General for political sagacity
“ I must acknowledge the dextrous leadership style of my leader. The state Auditor General, Alhaji Okala for uniting us together as a family. And from him I have learnt that we must stay connected to our people all year round, not just when elections are near,” he said.
As preparations for 2027 gather momentum, Hon. Yakubu says he is ready to commit greater time, energy and resources to the APC’s mobilisation efforts across Kogi East.
“I am ready to work harder, reach more people, and strengthen the structures that will deliver victory for our party,” he stated.
His political objective for 2027 is clear: to contribute to the re-election campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, support Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and help strengthen the APC’s grassroots structure in Kogi State.
“We have done this before, and we will do it again, with even greater energy,” he said.
For Hon. Joshua Yakubu, the 2027 election represents an opportunity to expand the work already undertaken, deepen grassroots engagement and give greater strength to the political structures supporting the APC.
“For us, 2027 is an opportunity to give more, serve more, and mobilise more for the success of our party,” he concluded.
