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By Lukman Olabiyi
The Iyaloja General of Lagos, Folashade Tinubu Ojo, has declared that market men and women across the state are fully mobilised for the 2027 general elections, while demanding greater political inclusion and representation in government.
Speaking during a press briefing at her residence in Alausa ahead of the Eid el Kabir celebration, Tinubu Ojo said traders across Lagos and other parts of the country had already commenced mobilisation through voter registration and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that market leaders take electoral participation seriously and would continue to support candidates who protect the interests of traders and market associations.
She disclosed that the market community had already endorsed some aspirants for elective offices, particularly candidates seeking seats in the Lagos State House of Assembly, specifically referencing politicians from Mushin whose support from traders was earned through years of service and responsiveness to issues affecting markets.
The Iyaloja General alleged that there were attempts to disrupt one of the recent political processes after some contenders realised they were losing, insisting that the mandate of the traders’ preferred candidate must be protected. She reaffirmed the loyalty of market leaders to the ruling All Progressives Congress while stressing that traders deserved greater inclusion in governance through appointments, empowerment programmes and other benefits.
“We need our slots. We need to be carried along. We don’t want a situation where only political leaders and their families benefit while the real traders are ignored,” she said.
She further urged political office holders and aspirants seeking the support of traders to engage directly with market associations and ensure that empowerment initiatives genuinely reached grassroots traders across the state.
Obi’s supporters not enough to beat Tinubu — ex Imo APC chairman
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Other News
Former Imo State APC Chairman, Chief Marcillinus Nlemigbo, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political base is strong enough to secure reelection in 2027, arguing that the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, lacks the nationwide followership to defeat him.
Speaking to journalists at his Owerri office on Tuesday, Nlemigbo pledged to actively back Tinubu’s reelection bid, citing the President’s economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Tinubu has achieved great things for Nigeria. The democratic values recorded by the Renewed Hope Administration will endear the people to reelect him,” he said.
He singled out the removal of the fuel subsidy as a key achievement, saying it had boosted allocations to states and enabled people driven projects across the country.
“The subsidy removal is a big plus to the nation. The political will demonstrated by the President is improving the nation’s economy and is very instrumental to the jumbo allocation of funds to governors,” he said.
On the 2027 race, Nlemigbo acknowledged Obi’s credentials but questioned his electoral path, saying: “Peter Obi is qualified and competent, but there is a process to an Igbo being the President. Tinubu has many followers. As an APC member, I support Tinubu.”
He urged the people of the South East to vote for the APC and Tinubu, maintaining that the President’s economic policies and democratic achievements continued to strengthen his case for a second term.
He also called on Nigerians to recognise and appreciate the progress recorded under the Renewed Hope Administration, expressing confidence that the President’s track record would speak for itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
