RismadarVoice Reporters
November 2, 2026
A coalition of 42 trade unions in Delta State has declared support for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition, operating under the Delta State Informal Sector Association, said it represents more than 120,000 artisans, traders and other informal-sector workers across the state.
The declaration was made during a solidarity visit by leaders of the association to Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, over the weekend.
The union representatives reaffirmed their support for the re-election bids of Tinubu, Oborevwori and Dafinone, as well as other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Receiving the delegation, Dafinone described the decision by the trade unions to operate under a common platform as an important development in grassroots political participation.
He commended the association’s leadership for bringing together workers from different trades and professional backgrounds.
According to the senator, organised participation by informal-sector groups provides an opportunity for political parties to engage directly with artisans, traders and small business operators.
Dafinone also thanked the coalition for supporting his ambition to return to the Senate in 2027.
He said the association’s structure could strengthen communication between political representatives and communities across Delta State.
The lawmaker emphasised the importance of sustained engagement with informal-sector workers, noting their contributions to employment, commercial activities and local economic development.
The endorsement follows an earlier declaration by the association’s leadership in support of Tinubu, Oborevwori and other APC candidates.
During that announcement, the association’s state chairman, Chief Ifeanyi Abanum, cited infrastructure development and increased engagement between the Delta State Government and artisans as reasons for the group’s position.
The coalition includes mechanics, carpenters, tailors, hairdressers, photographers, caterers, market operators and other skilled workers.
Its leadership has also called for improved access to business support, economic opportunities and government programmes for informal-sector participants.
Although the association claims to represent more than 120,000 people, the endorsement was announced by its leadership and does not independently establish the political preferences of every member.
The development comes as political parties and support groups expand their grassroots activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dafinone maintained that continued engagement with organised community groups would remain part of his political activities in Delta Central.
