Lagos Igbo traders defect to APC
Toyin Subair
Over 5,000 Igbo traders in Oyingbo market in Lagos Mainland and Yaba LCDA have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to declare their support for all the candidates of APC in the forthcoming election.
The traders under the umbrella of Igbo Traders Market Association in Lagos Mainland and Yaba LCDA made the declaration at an event which was held recently at the Oyingbo Ultramodern car park and had in attendance who-is-who in Lagos APC.
Addressing guests at the event on the reason for the defection, Chairman of the group, Victor Chukwuogo said it was necessary to make contributions to the growth of the State.
He said, “The sterling achievements of APC led administration in Lagos State is loud enough for the deaf to hear and the blind to see. And since APC is for the progressives just as Lagos Igbo traders are, we felt we need to join forces to further strengthen the bond that unites Igbo traders in Lagos State with people of other tribes by coming together to sustaining the pace of development in the state. We are coming from the other side of the divide and we know what obtained there, so believe me when I say APC is the party to be. This we know and it explains our moving in droves from the PDP to APC.”
Victor who doubles as Chairman of Oyingbo Foodstuffs Traders Association further commends APC leaders in Lagos State for absorbing his team into the party for greater Lagos.
He said, “Words are not enough to express our gratitude to the leaders of our great party, the APC. On behalf of the Secretary of Igbo Traders Associations, John Ugbanu, all executive members and members, I say a big thank you to all our leaders here present starting from APC State chairman, Alhaji Tunde Balogun represented by his deputy, Sunny Ajose, our eloquent APC Lagos Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, pragmatic member of House of representatives, Hon. Jide Jimoh, member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Oladele Adekanye, energetic and resourceful Chairperson of Lagos Mainland Local Govt. Hon. Rashidat Essien Omolola, Iyaloja-General of Oyingbo market, Alhaja Sikirat Sulaiman, representatives of Arewa in Lagos Mainland and other group too numerous to mention. May the bond that unites us remain stronger forever.”
He added “As it is known of Igbo traders whereas we are that we are very industrious and enterprising, we will be willing to join hand and also work hand in hand with leaders of our new party to taking Lagos APC to a greater height. From this perspective, I want to call on all Igbo traders in Lagos State to ensure that they collect their Permanent Voters Cards and vote for APC candidates, President Muhammadu Buhari as President, Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the next Governor of the State, our leaders in Lagos Mainland, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for Senate, Hon. Jide Jimoh for House of Representatives and all other candidates of the party in the 2019 general elections. It is by doing this; our collective will of a greater Lagos can be achieved.”
On his part, Secretary of Oyingbo Igbo Traders, John Ugbanu disclosed that Igbo traders in Oyingbo over the years have been contributing to the growth of the Lagos Mainland district and the State at large economically.
He added, “And the time is right to contribute our quota by adding our number to the existing structure in Lagos state APC and supporting it to emerge victorious in the coming elections at all levels to impacting lives of our members meaningfully. I thank all our leaders and members in the APC and I want to assure us all that victory is assured by God’s grace.”
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