Thousands of tricycle operators, popularly known as Keke riders, flooded the streets of Enugu on Monday in a massive show of support for Governor Peter Mbah, openly endorsing his reelection bid ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The riders, drawn from across the state, converged on Okpara Square in a colourful rally, moving in large convoys from Abakpa, Emene, Agbani Road, Ogui Road, New Haven, and through major routes including Nkpokiti, Ebeano Tunnel, Holy Ghost, Ziks Avenue, Timber Shade, UNEC Gate, and IMT Gate. Their tricycles were adorned with stickers and images of the governor.
Addressing journalists during the rally, Chairman of the association, Comrade Kingsley Edeh, said the endorsement was driven by what he described as tangible improvements in infrastructure and security under Mbah’s administration.
“The governor is a kindhearted man. He accepted everyone and gave everyone an enabling environment for our people to do business in the state,” Edeh said.
He added that improved road conditions had significantly reduced maintenance costs for operators.
“See the roads he is constructing everywhere. Before now, we visited mechanics every week and spent our earnings because of bad roads. But today, we are now seeing dividends of democracy,” he stated.
Edeh maintained that the group’s decision to back Mbah was based on visible development outcomes.
“We have seen that our revenue, the one we pay, is going somewhere. We looked at the developmental strides of the governor and said we want to organise a big solidarity and endorsement rally for Governor Mbah as the man we want in 2027.
“We are endorsing him for 2027 so he will continue his good work as governor. We don’t want any other person,” he said.
In a remark laced with local expression, he added, “Many politicians lie about what they didn’t do. But his own is ‘e dey play, e dey show.’”
The association also highlighted the state’s education and healthcare initiatives, particularly the rollout of Smart Schools and Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres across wards.
“With the 260 Smart Schools and 260 Type 2 Health Centres… we will have more disposable income because the Smart Schools are totally free. They even give free food and uniforms,” Edeh said, adding that such interventions would improve the future of their children.
He further noted that infrastructure like the International Conference Centre had boosted economic activity in the state.
“People come from Abuja, Lagos, Kano… and even abroad every now and then for big conferences, and we make a lot of money,” he added.
The group also dismissed claims of excessive taxation, insisting that reforms in revenue collection had brought transparency and ended past abuses.
“Our revenue collection is no longer chaotic. We pay online. No more thuggery… we now have peace, accountability, no more factions, and fighting in the system because of revenue,” Edeh said.
“It is also a falsehood for people to say the governor is overtaxing Keke riders… We are paying the minimum… and we are happy with how the governor is utilising it.”
He alleged that those criticising the system were beneficiaries of the old cash-based structure.
“In fact, the people who were collecting cash before Mbah came… are the ones spinning the falsehood because they are not happy,” he said.
The riders, in a show of firm political backing, insisted that Mbah must serve a second term.
“We will massively vote for him. As you could see, we are determined. Anyhow they want it, we are going to put the governor there,” Edeh declared.
