Artisans and informal sector operators in Delta State, under the umbrella of the state’s Informal Sector Association, have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association, comprising 42 trade unions and representing more than 120,000 stakeholders across the state, said the endorsement followed its assessment of the policies and development initiatives of the Tinubu-led Federal Government and the Oborevwori administration.
The state Chairman of the Informal Sector, Chief Ifeanyi Abanum, who announced the position, urged members of the various unions to mobilise their families, associates and customers to support the APC candidates at the polls.
Abanum said the informal sector had witnessed greater recognition under the Oborevworiadministration, noting that the government had created opportunities for artisans and small business operators to engage with policymakers and communicate their concerns.
According to him, roads and other development projects across rural communities have improved access and created better conditions for residents and business operators.
He called on the union leaders to take the message of support to their members at the grassroots, stressing that the association was more interested in genuine commitment than inflated membership figures.
“We want all of us to work together and speak with one voice. This is the time to work together and support the government,” Abanum said.
He also disclosed that plans were underway to provide empowerment opportunities for members, including business support and grants, while urging union leaders to ensure that their members were properly profiled to benefit from the programmes.
The association brings together a broad range of informal sector operators, including market men and women, mechanics, solar energy practitioners, laundry operators, photographers, forklift operators, hairdressers, caterers, disc jockeys, plumbers, wellness practitioners, decorators, painters, fish farmers, carpenters, printers and fashion designers.
Others include aluminium fabricators, tailors, furniture makers, electronics dealers, power-related businesses, butchers, building materials suppliers, auto spare parts dealers and shoemakers.
Speaking at the meeting, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, commended the association for bringing the various unions together under a coordinated leadership structure.
Emu said the informal sector remained critical to the state’s economic development, noting that the contributions of artisans, traders and small business owners could not be overlooked in efforts to grow the economy.
He said the Oborevwori administration recognised informal sector operators as important partners in governance and had established an administrative framework to ensure that their concerns received attention.
Also speaking, the Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo; State Director of Protocol, Chief Sunday Onoriode; and Commissioner for Works and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, commended the informal sector leaders for their support and urged them to sustain their engagement with the government.
President of the Delta State Market Men and Market Women Association, Mrs Kate Onah, and the Chairman of the association in Delta Central, Wilson Esivwekpe, were also among those who spoke at the meeting.
The stakeholders stressed the need for sustained cooperation between government and informal sector operators, particularly in expanding business opportunities, improving livelihoods and ensuring that artisans and traders benefited from government interventions.
The endorsement marks an effort by the association to consolidate its political position ahead of the 2027 elections, with its leaders expected to take the decision to their respective unions and grassroots structures.
