The Tricycle Riders Association of Enugu State has endorsed Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. Governor Mbah also announced the scrapping of the ₦750 daily ticket fee for tricycle operators and extended their operating hours to 10 p.m.
The Tricycle Riders Association of Enugu State has endorsed Governor Peter Mbah for a second term and President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027, citing infrastructure development, security and policies affecting commercial transport operators.
The association, popularly known as Keke Riders, announced its position on Saturday during a rally at Okpara Square in Enugu.
At the event, Mbah announced the scrapping of the ₦750 daily ticket fee paid by tricycle operators and extended their permitted operating hours from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The governor also reiterated that tricycle operators would continue to use the state’s modern transport terminals without paying terminal fees.
The announcements were made as part of the administration’s engagement with commercial transport operators, whose activities support livelihoods and daily movement across the state.
Leading the endorsement, the state chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association of Nigeria, Comrade Kingsley Edeh, said the association’s decision was based on what he described as the impact of government policies on riders, their families and the wider population.
Edeh cited improved roads and security, the construction of 267 Smart Green Schools and the completion or revival of previously abandoned projects, including the International Conference Centre, Nigergas Limited, Sunrise Flour Mills and Hotel Presidential.
He also commended the Federal Government’s infrastructure projects in the South-East and its support for state governments.
The association subsequently declared its intention to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
Corroborating the position, the association’s National Secretary, Comrade Sunday Enang, praised Mbah’s investments in transport infrastructure, road construction and urban mobility.
Enang highlighted the establishment of Enugu Air, the development of modern transport terminals and investment in an asphalt plant as initiatives he said were contributing to the state’s transportation system.
He also welcomed the policy allowing tricycle operators to use designated transport terminals without paying toll fees, describing it as support for operators and their families.
Responding to the endorsement, Mbah described tricycle operators as important contributors to Enugu’s economy, noting their role in transporting workers, students, traders and other residents between urban and rural communities.
He said his administration was engaging with the association’s leadership to address concerns affecting operators’ earnings and working conditions.
The governor announced that the daily ticketing arrangement would end and that operators would no longer pay fees to use the state’s designated modern transport terminals.
“No more tickets for you,” Mbah said while addressing the riders.
He explained that the administration was pursuing policies intended not only to grow the economy but also to reduce poverty and increase the disposable income available to households.
Mbah also announced an extension of tricycle operating hours, saying the previous restriction that limited operations to between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. would be adjusted to allow an additional hour.
Under the new arrangement, operators would be permitted to work until 10 p.m.
The announcement follows the state’s previous restriction on commercial transport operations, introduced in 2023 amid security concerns, according to published reports.
Mbah said road construction and rehabilitation were intended to reduce the cost of maintaining tricycles, minimise time spent at mechanic workshops and improve the efficiency of commercial transportation.
He listed Emene, Abakpa, Idaw River, Trans-Ekulu, Awkunanaw, Coal Camp, New Haven, Thinkers Corner and Uwani among the areas where roads had been paved or were undergoing construction.
The governor pledged to construct or reconstruct the remaining 1,022 urban roads in the state, saying improved road networks would support businesses and reduce operating expenses for transporters.
He maintained that the administration would continue investing in infrastructure as part of its wider development programme.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining security and public order, warning against attempts to introduce violence into the state’s political activities.
He said the government would take lawful measures against anyone found attempting to recruit or deploy thugs to disrupt public peace.
“We have zero tolerance for violence,” Mbah said.
He urged residents to protect the state’s security gains and encouraged eligible voters to prepare for the 2027 elections.
Other speakers at the event included Enugu State APC Chairman, Dr Martins Chukwunweike; Grand Patron of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Greg Ugwu; and Managing Director of Enugu East Zone Transport Terminals, Dr John Egbo.
The event combined the association’s political endorsement with policy announcements affecting tricycle operators, particularly the removal of the daily ticket fee, continued free access to designated transport terminals and the extension of operating hours to 10 p.m.
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