Youths across Ondo State have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing ongoing economic reforms and infrastructure projects as justification for a second term.
The endorsement came under the platform of the Ondo Youth Alliance for Tinubu (OYAT), which also announced an ambitious plan to mobilise one million votes across the state’s 18 local government areas ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration followed the group’s sensitisation tour through Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo local government areas, part of a broader grassroots engagement campaign.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Director General Thalis Olonite Apalowo said the administration’s progress in economic reform and infrastructure development justifies continuity in leadership.
According to him, governments undertaking major policy changes require sustained support to fully achieve their goals.
He pointed to ongoing projects such as the Akure–Ore road as evidence of the administration’s infrastructure drive, adding that such initiatives are expected to influence youth support across the state.
“If not for misinformation and propaganda, many of these projects are visible and impactful. The Akure–Ore road is one such project that shows the present administration’s commitment to infrastructure,” Apalowo said.
Beyond infrastructure, he noted that federal initiatives and appointments have been targeted at improving citizens’ welfare, particularly among young people.
Apalowo explained that the sensitisation tour aims to deepen awareness of government policies while strengthening grassroots mobilisation for the president’s re-election.
He added that the group is expanding its structures across wards, polling units and local governments to ensure effective political engagement ahead of the polls.
“We are strengthening our presence at the grassroots. Our structures will be fully active in wards, units and local governments to ensure effective mobilisation,” he said.
Describing youth empowerment, job creation and skills acquisition as key priorities, Apalowo stressed that these areas would remain central to the group’s agenda.
He expressed confidence that the one million vote target is achievable, citing what he described as growing grassroots support.
Coordinators in Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo — Olusola Johnbosco, Felix Olatunde and Moritala Owolabi — also reaffirmed their commitment to the mobilisation effort, describing it as a step toward increased youth participation and political awareness.
They added that the statewide tour would continue across all 18 local government areas, focusing on engaging young people and building momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.