“We need our slots” – Iyaloja General demands political inclusion for traders

The Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, has declared that market men and women across the country are already mobilising ahead of the 2027 general elections, while demanding greater political inclusion and representation in government.

Tinubu-Ojo made the declaration during a press session held at her residence in Alausa, Lagos, ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

She said traders across Lagos State and other parts of the country had begun preparations for the elections through voter registration and collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

According to her, market leaders take electoral participation seriously and remain committed to supporting candidates who genuinely represent the interests of traders and grassroots communities.

The Iyaloja General disclosed that market associations had already endorsed some aspirants for elective positions, particularly candidates they believe have consistently identified with market people and addressed issues affecting traders.

She specifically referenced politicians from Mushin whom market leaders are supporting for seats in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Tinubu-Ojo said the endorsement was based on years of loyalty, accessibility and responsiveness to the needs of traders and market associations.

She also alleged that attempts were made to disrupt one of the recent political processes after some contenders realised they were losing support, insisting that the mandate of the traders’ preferred candidate must be protected.

While reaffirming the loyalty of market leaders to the All Progressives Congress (APC), she stressed the need for greater inclusion of market stakeholders in governance through appointments, empowerment programmes and political opportunities.

“In Agege, 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 stated.

The market leader further urged political office holders and aspirants seeking support from traders to maintain direct engagement with market associations and ensure that empowerment programmes genuinely reach grassroots traders.

She maintained that market women and men remained critical to election campaigns and mobilisation efforts and should not be marginalised after elections.

Tinubu-Ojo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating empowerment programmes under his administration but called for more targeted interventions directed specifically at market traders.

The press session, which coincided with preparations for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, also served as the regular Tuesday meeting of market leaders to deliberate on issues affecting traders and markets across Lagos State and Nigeria.