Traders and prominent market leaders across Lagos State converged at the Blue Roof Pavilion in Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Tuesday to hold a special prayer session backing President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress governorship hopeful in the state, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for the 2027 general elections.
Initiated by the Lagos State Market Advisory Council (LASMAC) alongside the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, the event drew traditional authorities, clerics, traders, and state dignitaries to intercede for the electoral success of APC candidates and the socioeconomic advancement of both Lagos and the nation.
What was the focus of the gathering?
The assembly primarily served as a platform for spiritual backing and political solidarity, bringing together various commercial stakeholders to rally behind the ruling party's leadership. Represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Hamzat expressed gratitude to the traders for organizing the event, interpreting their support as a strong testament to their dedication to national and state progress.
He specifically praised the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and head of LASMAC, Chief Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, for her effective guidance in mobilizing commercial stakeholders for the programme. Addressing the participants, Hamzat encouraged traders to maintain their collaborative ties with the administration, pledging that any future government led by him would deepen consultations with the trading community and safeguard their interests in public policy.
“I urge you to sustain your partnership with government. If elected, our administration will strengthen engagement with the market community and ensure your interests are adequately represented in governance,” Hamzat stated.
How does this align with his political manifesto?
According to the gubernatorial hopeful, this dedication is highlighted within the inclusion sector of his policy document titled The Lagos Promise, which was officially launched on October 30, 2026. He noted that his prospective administration aims to expand upon the infrastructural and economic milestones achieved by the current governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Highlighting the commercial sector's role, Hamzat emphasized that markets and their administrators are vital cogs in the economic expansion of Lagos, promising that their feedback and welfare will consistently be prioritized. He also acknowledged the spiritual backing of religious and traditional leaders, reiterating his resolve to maintain steady development and ensure dividends of democracy reach every demographic.
Earlier in the proceedings, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Nurudeen Agbaje, praised the timing of the event, reinforcing the position that market stakeholders play a critical role in shaping the political and economic landscape of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Tinubu-Ojo explained that the assembly was designed to evaluate strategies for the upcoming polls and foster stronger unity among commercial leaders. She reaffirmed the readiness of the trading populace to deliver block votes, while simultaneously appealing to the government to furnish leaders with adequate support to effectively mobilize their members. The event concluded with extensive intercessory prayers offered by religious leaders for the success of President Tinubu, Hamzat, and other party candidates.