The Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, says market men and women across Lagos State and the country are fully prepared to participate actively in the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu-Ojo also called for greater political inclusion and representation for traders in governance and empowerment programmes on Tuesday.
She spoke during a press session held at her residence in Alausa, Lagos, ahead of the forthcoming Salah celebration.
According to her, market leaders and traders have already begun mobilisation efforts through voter registration and collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
She said market associations remained a major political force and would continue to support candidates who prioritise the welfare and interests of traders.
“Market women and men are fully ready for the 2027 elections. We are mobilising ourselves through voter registration and PVC collection because we understand the importance of participating in the electoral process,” she said.
The Iyaloja General noted that some candidates had already secured the endorsement of traders due to their longstanding support for market communities and responsiveness to issues affecting traders.
She specifically mentioned some politicians from Mushin being supported by market leaders for seats in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
According to her, the candidates earned the confidence of traders through years of service and commitment to market development.
Tinubu-Ojo also alleged that there were attempts to disrupt one of the recent political processes after some contenders realised they were losing.
She insisted that the mandate of candidates preferred by traders must be protected.
“We take elections seriously because we know our strength and value. We will continue to support leaders who stand by traders and market associations,” she said.
Reaffirming the loyalty of market leaders to the ruling All Progressives Congress, she stressed that traders deserved inclusion in governance through appointments and empowerment initiatives.
“We need our slots. We need to be carried along. We do not want a situation where only political leaders and their families benefit while the real traders are ignored,” she said.
The Iyaloja General urged political office holders and candidates seeking the support of traders to engage directly with market associations and ensure empowerment programmes genuinely reached grassroots traders.
She warned against the marginalisation of market women and men, noting that they played critical roles during campaigns and elections.
Tinubu-Ojo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating empowerment programmes, while calling for more interventions targeted directly at traders and market communities.
The press session also coincided with the regular Tuesday meeting of market leaders to discuss issues affecting traders and markets across Lagos State and Nigeria
