News Investigators/ Nigerian traders under the auspices of National Traders Alliance for Renewed Hope (NTARH) has declared its support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections.
The National Director-General and Convener of the alliance, Olatubosun Yaqub, made the declaration at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
Mr Yaqub explained that Nigerian traders were determined to take their rightful place as important stakeholders in the country’s economic and democratic development.
He said traders remained at the heart of the Nigerian economy, connecting producers with consumers, creating employment and sustaining economic activities across the country.
“Behind every market stall is a family, behind every small business is an aspiration, and behind millions of Nigerian traders is a significant part of our nation’s economic strength,” he said.
The convener said the alliance recognised the efforts of the Tinubu administration toward economic transformation and national development, acknowledging that the ongoing economic adjustments had created difficulties for many citizens, including traders.
He, however, said the challenges required “constructive engagement, responsible leadership and collective action,” rather than a loss of hope in the country.
He said the alliance’s support for Tinubu and Shettima, as well as candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), would be based on peace, unity, responsible citizenship and democratic participation.
According to him, the alliance was not merely seeking government support but wanted to establish a structured partnership between government and the trading community.
“We want to build a bridge between government policies and the people who operate businesses at the grassroots,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, state and local governments, financial institutions, the private sector and organised traders.
He noted that such collaboration should focus on affordable financing, market infrastructure, transportation and logistics, storage facilities, digital commerce, financial literacy, support for small businesses, local production, youth entrepreneurship and job creation.
He urged the Federal Government to strengthen its engagement with organised traders and establish a structured platform for regular consultation with the trading community.
“Give Nigerian traders a stronger voice at the table, and Nigerian traders will help strengthen the economy,” he said.
The convener also urged traders and other eligible Nigerians to participate responsibly in the electoral process, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and exercise their constitutional rights peacefully.
He said the alliance would promote peaceful co-existence, national integration, responsible citizenship and economic cooperation as the country moved toward the 2027 elections.
The patron of the alliance, Sen. Adamu Aliero, represented by Salisu Koko, expressed support for the initiative and commended the organisers for mobilising traders from different parts of the country.
Mr Koko said the presence of traders from Kebbi State at the event demonstrated the state’s support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
He also said he would convey the message of the gathering to the Kebbi State Government, adding that traders from the state were adequately represented at the event.
Similarly, the Lagos State Coordinator of the alliance, Prince Taiwo Adebisi, said the group was prepared to mobilise traders in the state for the re-election of Tinubu and Shettima.
“We are ready in Lagos State to take the battle by the horn. We will mobilise our people come 2027 for the election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Alhaji Kashim Shettima,” he said.
Mrs Toyin Johnbull, president of the Ondo State Bread Sellers Association, said traders remained important stakeholders in the country’s democratic process.
She also highlighted the benefits of government programmes, including the student loan scheme, saying such interventions could help children of traders access education.
Dr Abdullahi Jabi, North-Central Coordinator, Campaign for Democracy, Human Rights Advocacy and Civil Society of Nigeria, also endorsed the alliance’s position.
Jabi said Tinubu had demonstrated wisdom, tenacity and experience in navigating the economic challenges confronting the country since assuming office in 2023.
He cited government interventions for traders, road projects and women empowerment initiatives as some of the administration’s achievements.
He said civil society organisations would support efforts to mobilise voters and educate them on the achievements of the APC administration.
Other market association leaders from across the country including Mustapha Yusuf, Jacob Agede and Hauwa Mohammed said Tinubu deserved a second term in office, citing what they described as achievements of his administration across various sectors.
They urged Nigerian traders to remain united and participate actively and peacefully in the 2027 electoral process.
NAN