Youth Advocacy Group Cautions Against Premature Endorsement of Governor Ododo for 2nd Term, Urges Focus on Governance Over Politics
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The Kogi State chapter of Not Too Young To Perform (NTYTP), a prominent youth-led leadership and governance advocacy organization, has expressed strong reservations about the recent public endorsement of Governor Ododo Ahmed Usman for a second term in office by his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.
In a press release dated May 9 and signed by Comrade Tenimu Alhassan, the State Publicity Secretary, NTYTP described the endorsement as “politically premature and economically unattractive,” arguing that such declarations, barely 15 months into Governor Ododo’s first term, are not only ill-timed but potentially harmful to governance outcomes.
“We make bold to state that, after thorough and dispassionate observation, this endorsement appears politically premature and economically unattractive to a vast majority of public analysts and observers,” the group stated.
While recognizing the initial achievements of the current administration, including strides in infrastructural and governance continuity, NTYTP warned that such early political endorsements could introduce complacency and distract from the core responsibilities of leadership.
“The real concern of many stakeholders and observers is the risk this premature endorsement poses: it may dampen the governor’s energy, introduce political laxity, and potentially undermine public trust if performance becomes overshadowed by political calculations,” the release noted.
NTYTP further emphasized that Governor Ododo should be given time and space to prove himself through sustained performance, rather than be prematurely propelled into a re-election campaign narrative. “Achievements and scorecards should speak louder than political endorsements,” the group maintained, cautioning that the driving force behind the endorsement seems to be “premature enthusiasm, rather than tangible long-term achievements.”
The organization pointed to several critical sectors that still require urgent government intervention. It highlighted the inefficiency in many Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), citing “a current workforce deficit” that has left “several offices and departments dormant, particularly at the Kogi State Secretariat.” It stressed that unless institutional capacity is improved, service delivery will remain subpar.
In addressing youth development, NTYTP called for a shift away from politically motivated appointments and toward meaningful empowerment strategies. “The administration should fast-track policies and programs that make Kogi’s youth productive, innovative, and employable across sectors,” the statement urged.
The group also drew attention to the pressing transportation challenges faced by residents and recommended the introduction of metro buses to operate during weekday mornings as a way to ease mobility burdens. On water infrastructure, it lamented the persistent scarcity in Lokoja and other parts of the state, calling for bold and sustainable reforms. “For over a decade, residents of Kogi State, especially in Lokoja, have endured an acute lack of stable water supply,” the group said, advocating for potential privatization and the metering of water services to improve delivery and maintenance.
NTYTP did not spare former Governor Yahaya Bello in its critique, urging him to maintain a role that is “supportive and non-distracting” to the still-developing administration of his successor. “Strategic coordination and disciplined communication are essential to safeguard Governor Ododo’s focus and allow him to build on his promising start without unnecessary political pressures,” the group advised.
In conclusion, NTYTP reiterated its belief that political validation should be performance-driven. “An impressive start is no guarantee of long-term success,” the statement concluded. “In governance, just like in a marathon, sustained focus, determination, and the ability to deliver consistent results are what ultimately define success.”
With its structures in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NTYTP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountable leadership, empowering youth, and advocating for sustainable development across Nigeria.
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