EXCLUSIVE: Corps Members in Kogi Allegedly Tricked Into Attending APC Political Rally

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in Kogi State have accused state officials of deceiving them into attending a political rally for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Ododo. The event was promoted to the corps members as a mandatory youth program.

According to several corps members who spoke to SaharaReporters, they received an official circular over the weekend instructing them to attend a “general meeting” at Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja on Sunday, January 25. The notice described the gathering as part of a “Kogi State Organised Youth Program,” with mandatory attendance and a dress code of NYSC mufti.

Upon arrival, however, they found a fully organized political rally filled with All Progressives Congress (APC) banners, supporters, and media. “It was clearly a desperation move to prove crowd capacity,” one corps member stated.

Many expressed discomfort and frustration, noting that NYSC regulations explicitly prohibit participation in partisan political activities. “If we knew it was a political rally, we would have at least practised chanting APC songs before coming,” one corps member remarked sarcastically.

In response to growing criticism, NYSC and state officials issued a statement claiming the event was meant to celebrate the governor’s two-year anniversary and highlight his support for youth programs. The statement also referenced a previous ₦20,000 transportation allowance given to new corps members during swearing-in, suggesting the invitation was a form of appreciation.

Corps members disputed this explanation, stating no money was distributed at the rally and that the earlier allowance was unrelated. They have called on the NYSC Director-General to investigate the incident and prevent the scheme from being used for political purposes in the future.