Abuja: Nigerian traders under the National Traders Alliance for Renewed Hope (NTARH) have announced their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general elections. Alhaji Olatubosun Yaqub, the National Director-General and Convener of the alliance, made the declaration at a press conference held on Tuesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Yaqub stated that Nigerian traders are determined to assert their role as vital stakeholders in the country’s economic and democratic development. He emphasized that traders play a crucial role in the Nigerian economy by connecting producers with consumers, creating employment, and sustaining economic activities nationwide. Yaqub highlighted the significant contribution traders make to the nation’s economic strength, stating that each market stall and small business represents aspirations and familial support.
Yaqub acknowledged the efforts of the Tinubu administration toward economic transformation and national development. While recognizing the challenges posed by ongoing economic adjustments, he stressed the need for constructive engagement, responsible leadership, and collective action, instead of losing hope in the country. The alliance’s support for Tinubu, Shettima, and candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is based on principles of peace, unity, responsible citizenship, and democratic participation.
He further explained that the alliance seeks to establish a structured partnership between the government and the trading community, rather than merely seeking government support. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between government policies and grassroots business operations. Yaqub called for stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and organized traders. The focus of such collaboration should be 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.
Yaqub urged the Federal Government to engage more effectively with organized traders and to create a structured platform for regular consultations with the trading community, advocating for a stronger voice for traders in economic discussions. He also encouraged traders and eligible Nigerians to participate responsibly in the electoral process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and exercising their rights peacefully. The alliance intends to promote peaceful co-existence, national integration, responsible citizenship, and economic cooperation as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
Senator Adamu Aliero, represented by Mr. Salisu Koko, expressed support for the initiative and praised the organizers for mobilizing traders from across the country. Koko highlighted the presence of traders from Kebbi State at the event as a demonstration of the state’s support for Tinubu’s re-election bid. He assured that he would communicate the gathering’s message to the Kebbi State Government.
Similarly, Prince Taiwo Adebisi, the Lagos State Coordinator of the alliance, expressed readiness to mobilize traders in the state for the re-election of Tinubu and Shettima. Mrs. Toyin Johnbull, president of the Ondo State Bread Sellers Association, reiterated the importance of traders in the democratic process and emphasized the benefits of government programs, such as the student loan scheme, which can aid children of traders in accessing education.
Dr. Abdullahi Jabi, North-Central Coordinator of the Campaign for Democracy, Human Rights Advocacy, and Civil Society of Nigeria, also endorsed the alliance’s stance. Jabi highlighted Tinubu’s demonstrated wisdom, tenacity, and experience in handling the country’s economic challenges since taking office in 2023. He cited government interventions for traders, road projects, and women empowerment initiatives as notable achievements. Civil society organizations plan to support efforts to mobilize and educate voters on the APC administration’s accomplishments.
Other market association leaders, including Mustapha Yusuf, Jacob Agede, and Hauwa Mohammed, expressed support for Tinubu’s second term, citing achievements across various sectors. They urged Nigerian traders to remain united and actively and peacefully participate in the 2027 electoral process.