The Tricycle Riders Association of Enugu State has endorsed Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027. The association cited improvements in security, road infrastructure and public amenities as reasons for its decision.
The endorsement came as Mbah announced the removal of the ₦750 daily ticket fee for tricycle operators. He also extended their operating hours from 9pm to 10pm and confirmed that riders would continue using the state’s modern transport terminals without paying tolls.
The association, popularly known as Keke Riders, announced its position during the conclusion of a “One Million March” at Okpara Square, Enugu, on Saturday. Its members said the government’s policies had improved their businesses and livelihoods.
The development follows other public endorsements of the governor ahead of the 2027 elections. Recently, more than 30,000 teachers endorsed Mbah and Tinubu over education reforms.
Keke Riders Cite Security, Infrastructure as Reasons for Endorsement
The state chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association of Nigeria, Comrade Kingsley Edeh, led the endorsement. He said the association based its decision on projects and policies affecting riders, their families and other residents.
Edeh highlighted improved security and roads, saying both had made commercial transportation easier. He also praised the 267 Smart Green Schools and the revival of previously abandoned projects.
Among the projects he mentioned were the International Conference Centre, Nigergas Limited, Sunrise Flour Mills and Hotel Presidential. He also acknowledged federal infrastructure projects in the South-East under Tinubu’s administration.
Edeh declared that members would support the APC across the ballot in 2027. His remarks reflect a wider political mobilisation ahead of the elections, including the Enugu West endorsement of Mbah and Tinubu.
Other communities have also declared support for the governor and the APC. These include Ohuani, Idodo and Oruku stakeholders and residents of Ugbakwa wards.
National Association Praises Mbah’s Transport Reforms
The association’s National Secretary, Comrade Sunday Enang, also praised Mbah’s administration. He described the governor as a “magician” in governance and commended the pace of development since 2023.
Enang pointed to modern transport terminals, Enugu Air, an asphalt plant and road construction across urban and rural areas. He said these investments could improve mobility and create better conditions for businesses.
He also praised the policy allowing tricycle operators to use designated transport terminals without toll payments. According to him, the measure recognises the contribution riders make to the state’s economy.
The government’s transport policies have previously attracted public attention. In September, the state clarified that a reported transport operators’ protest concerned parking arrangements rather than taxes, as explained in its response to reports of a tax protest.
Mbah’s wider infrastructure programme has also drawn attention from media professionals. During a recent visit, the Nigerian Guild of Editors toured the governor’s projects and praised investments in transportation, roads, healthcare and education.
Mbah Removes Daily Ticket Fees for Tricycle Operators
Responding to the endorsement, Mbah described tricycle operators as important contributors to Enugu’s economy. He said they transport workers, students, traders and other residents while connecting urban centres with rural communities.
The governor acknowledged the long hours and financial pressures riders face. He said his administration had engaged their representatives to identify ways to improve their livelihoods.
Mbah then confirmed that tricycle operators would no longer pay the ₦750 daily ticket fee. He also reiterated that they could use the state’s modern transport terminals without paying tolls.
The governor explained that the measures formed part of his administration’s poverty reduction strategy. He said the government wanted operators to retain more of their earnings and provide better support for their families.
The policy forms part of the administration’s broader development agenda. Mbah has outlined these priorities in a compendium detailing more than 10,000 achievements, including road, education and infrastructure projects.
Operating Hours Extended to 10pm
Mbah also announced an extension of tricycle operating hours from 9pm to 10pm. He said operators previously worked under a restriction limiting their daily operations to between 6am and 9pm.
The governor linked the change to improved security in the state. He also acknowledged the support of residents and transport operators in restoring normal activities.
According to Mbah, the additional hour would give riders more time to serve passengers and earn income. The government’s decision aims to support commercial activity while maintaining public safety.
Security remains a central theme in the administration’s development programme. The state recently supported police operations through the launch of a Violent Crime Response Unit in Enugu.
Mbah has also urged regional development institutions to support infrastructure and industrial growth. He recently asked the South East Development Commission to prioritise gas pipelines, railways and industrialisation.
Governor Promises More Roads Across Enugu
Mbah said improved roads would help reduce riders’ vehicle maintenance costs. He explained that poor roads increase repair bills and force operators to spend more time at mechanics’ workshops.
He listed Emene, Abakpa, Idaw River, Trans-Ekulu, Awkunanaw, Coal Camp, New Haven, Thinkers Corner and Uwani among the areas receiving road works.
The governor promised to pave the remaining 1,022 urban roads in the state. He said the government wanted to make transportation easier and reduce the costs commercial operators face.
The administration has presented road construction as a key part of its economic expansion plans. The NACCIMA endorsement of Enugu’s $30 billion economic ambition also highlighted the importance of infrastructure and security to business growth.
Mbah has repeatedly linked road construction and other investments to his broader economic vision. His address at the Nigerian Guild of Editors conference also highlighted infrastructure, transport terminals and Enugu Air.
Mbah Warns Against Political Violence
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the peace and security residents enjoy. He warned politicians against actions that could provoke violence or disrupt public safety.
Mbah said his government would use lawful means to investigate and prosecute anyone who attempted to import thugs or cause disorder. He maintained that political ambition should not threaten the state’s security.
He urged residents to protect the peace and support lawful political participation. He also encouraged eligible voters to prepare their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor attributed the state’s development projects partly to cooperation with the Federal Government. He said Tinubu’s policies had helped provide resources for several initiatives cited by the riders.
The state has also pursued reforms in education and long-term development planning. Mbah recently unveiled the Enugu State Education Policy and reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustainable growth.
His government has also highlighted its efforts to ensure that public investments deliver lasting benefits through its sustainable development agenda.
Other political stakeholders have continued to rally support for the administration. Residents of Nkerefi recently backed Mbah, the APC and its chairmanship candidate in a political mobilisation exercise in Nkanu East.
The event at Okpara Square also featured remarks from APC Enugu State Chairman Dr Martins Chukwunwike, Grand Patron of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council HRH Igwe Greg Ugwu, and Enugu East Zone Transport Terminals Managing Director Dr John Egbo.
The riders’ endorsement and the announced concessions place transport welfare among the issues likely to feature in political discussions ahead of 2027. The impact of the changes will depend on their implementation and how much they reduce operating costs for commercial riders.
