By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Gombe State chapter of the Nigeria Amalgamated Traders and Artisans Development Association (AMATA) has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima for re-election in 2027, while backing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the Senate and Dr Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna for governor of Gombe State.
The association announced its position through its Acting State Chairman, Alhaji Sunusi Abdullahi Mairediyo, at a gathering attended by government officials, All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, political groups and other stakeholders.
Mairediyo said the endorsement reflected the association’s confidence in the candidates’ ability to promote economic growth, support businesses and improve the welfare of traders and artisans.
He described traders and artisans as vital contributors to the economy, noting that their activities generate employment, sustain small-scale businesses and provide livelihoods for thousands of people across the state.
He called for policies and programmes that would create a more favourable business environment, expand access to economic opportunities and provide greater support for small-scale entrepreneurs.
According to him, sustained government support for traders and artisans would stimulate commercial activities, improve household incomes and contribute to the socio-economic development of Gombe State.
Mairediyo also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to engaging with government officials and other stakeholders to promote the interests of its members and advocate policies that would help their businesses thrive.
The endorsement comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with associations, political groups and other interest groups beginning to declare support for their preferred candidates.
By endorsing Tinubu and Shettima at the federal level, alongside Yahaya and Gwamna in Gombe State, AMATA has signalled its support for the APC’s political leadership ahead of the elections.