Traders across Ebonyi State on Tuesday formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for second term ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing improved security, infrastructure development and policies aimed at easing business operations.
The endorsement was the highpoint of the Ebonyi Traders’ Solidarity Convention held at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, organised by the State Ministry of Market Development and Parks in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Market Development Board and market associations.
Representing President Tinubu at the event, the Director of Renewed Hope Initiative, Barr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, who was represented by the Executive Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Barr. Sunday Nwankwo, conveyed the President’s appreciation for the show of support.
He assured traders that the Federal Government would sustain policies that promote trade, investment and economic growth.
He noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda remained a key driver of reforms targeted at improving the ease of doing business nationwide, adding that the endorsement by Ebonyi traders would be duly communicated to the President.
Governor Nwifuru, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, commended the traders for the overwhelming endorsement, describing it as a validation of the administration’s people-oriented policies.
Echiegu said the governor had prioritised peace and security, noting that Ebonyi had remained one of the most stable states in the South-East under the present administration.
He added that ongoing efforts to resolve communal conflicts, including the recent Amasiri crisis, underscored government’s commitment to lasting peace.
He further highlighted achievements in education, including overseas scholarship programmes for over 300 Ebonyi indigenes, as well as investments in healthcare, infrastructure and prompt payment of salaries and pensions.
“Infrastructure development, human capital investment and security have remained central to this administration. The governor is encouraged by this endorsement and remains committed to doing more,” he said.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Market Development and Parks, Prof. Nwogo Ajuka Obasi, said the convention was convened to appreciate both the federal and state governments for policies that have positively impacted traders.
He attributed improved market activities in the state to enhanced security and deliberate government interventions, including rural road construction, trader empowerment initiatives and tax reforms for low-income earners.
Obasi said the traders’ gathering also reaffirmed support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and the People’s Charter of Needs of the Ebonyi State Government.
“The traders have resolved to stand firmly behind President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru in 2027, in recognition of their commitment to economic growth, infrastructure and inclusive governance,” he stated.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and Chief Executive Officer of Choice Sanitary Wares Ltd, Dominic Okechukwu Nwibo, represented by Benjamin Nwebonyi, lauded the state government’s security architecture, stressing that a peaceful environment was critical for business growth.
“Without security, there can be no market, no business and no government. The prevailing peace in Ebonyi has enabled traders to thrive,” he said.
Goodwill messages from stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Inter-Party Affairs, Mr. Ogbonna Okorie; Chairman of Scrap Dealers Association, Mr. Eric Nwigwe; Chairman of Timber Shade, Mr. Israel Ochishi; Chairman of Kpirikpiri Market, Mr. Samuel Nwuzor; and other market leaders, reinforced support for the endorsement.
They cited achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, civil service reforms and support for small-scale businesses as key reasons for backing the continuity agenda.
In a strong political signal ahead of the elections, Nwuzor declared that traders would enforce a “No Permanent Voter Card (PVC), No Market” policy to encourage electoral participation.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Market Development Board, Chief Ikechukwu Nwankwo, appreciated both federal and state governments for their commitment to traders’ welfare, while commending participants for the peaceful conduct of the convention.
The highlight of the event was a motion of confidence and formal adoption of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru for second term, moved by the Chairman of the Amalgamated Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN), Ebonyi State chapter, Mr. Godwin Okpoto Ome, and seconded by the President of Ebonyi Market Women Association, Mrs. Patience Nwali.
The convention also featured solidarity parades by various market groups across the state, signalling unified support for the re-election bids of the President and the Governor.
