The Coalition of Nigerian Artisans and Allied Workers (CONAA) has unveiled plans to deploy internet radio and social media campaigns to sensitise artisans ahead of the 2027 general election, as part of its massive mobilisation drive for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Speaking at a press conference on “2027 Elections: The Role of Artisans in Electoral Politics” in Lagos on Tuesday, CONAA Director-General, Segun Ajibulu, said the coalition has established zonal coordinating units across the six geopolitical zones to mobilise artisans in all 36 states.
Ajibulu was accompanied by the General Secretary of the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, David Ajitumobi, and the Chairman of the South East Artisan Coalition, to Fred Ojinika, among other representatives.
Ajibulu, who described the 2027 election as crucial to Nigeria, Africa and the international community given Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest democracy, said the group will embark on a nationwide mobilisation tour beginning October 15 and plans to produce 10 million educational pamphlets.
“Our target is to secure no fewer than 15 million votes for Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Shettima,” the group said.
CONAA comprises associations of mechanics, carpenters, welders, aluminium workers, iron benders and bricklayers, among other artisan groups.
The coalition admitted that Nigeria faced challenges, including corruption, terrorism, inadequate housing, poverty and unemployment, noting that some had persisted since independence.
It said the administration of Tinubu and Shettima began laying the foundation for national renewal in May 2023, arguing that the country’s longstanding problems could not be resolved within three or four years.
According to the group, progress in tackling insecurity has helped restore artisans’ confidence in the Federal Government and created an atmosphere for their businesses to thrive.
It also cited the administration’s support for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a significant intervention in access to education.
CONAA said the scheme had recorded between 1.5 million and 1.6 million direct student beneficiaries by mid-2026, with more than N282 billion in loans provided to students.
The coalition also endorsed moves towards establishing state police, saying decentralising security would help address insecurity and encourage local and foreign investment.
It argued that Nigeria was overdue for state police, adding that decentralised policing could strengthen security across the country.
On revenue generation, CONAA cited improved remittances by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) to the Federation Account, saying the development could strengthen the economy and support artisans’ businesses.
The group also expressed support for the Lagos-Calabar highway project and proposed Lagos-Sokoto and Calabar-Enugu highways, describing them as major road infrastructure investments.
The coalition lauded the improvement in the Nigeria’s foreign reserves,which had risen above $55 billion, which it described as the highest level in more than 18 years, with an increase of over $12.7 billion in the preceding year.