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, as the state government scrapped the ₦750 daily ticket fee for tricycle operators and extended their permitted operating hours to 10pm.
Mbah announced the new measures on Saturday at Okpara Square, Enugu, during the grand finale of the association’s “One Million March,” where the riders cited improved security, road infrastructure and other development projects as reasons for backing the two leaders.
The governor also declared that tricycle operators would continue to use all modern transport terminals owned by the state without paying fees.
Leading the endorsement, the state Chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association of Nigeria, Comrade Kingsley Edeh, said the association’s decision was based on projects and policies that had improved the lives and businesses of riders, their families and residents of Enugu State.
“Which will we reel out and leave the other? Is it the security and good roads, which now enable us to ply our trade without any problems, the 267 Smart Green Schools, the completion of long-abandoned projects such as the International Conference Centre, Nigergas Limited, Sunrise Four Mills, Hotel Presidential, and many more?” Edeh asked.
He also praised the Federal Government’s infrastructure projects in the South-East and its support for governors in the region.
“So, we will vote APC from top to bottom come 2027,” he declared.
The association’s National Secretary, Comrade Sunday Enang, described Mbah as a “magician” in governance, arguing that the governor’s achievements within three years were exceptional.
“Your ‘Tomorrow Is Here’ vision is evident in the construction of modern transport terminals, the establishment of Enugu Air, investment in an asphalt plant, intra- and inter-city road construction, and efforts to improve traffic flow and urban transportation,” Enang said.
He added that the initiatives were promoting safer, more organised and more efficient movement across the state.
“We also commend the policy allowing tricycle operators to use designated terminals without paying toll fees. This support recognises their contribution to the economy and the livelihoods of thousands of families,” he said.
“These practical policies reflect disruptive innovation and demonstrate how effective leadership can turn vision into tangible opportunities,” Enang added.
Responding, Mbah described tricycle operators as important contributors to the state’s economy, noting that their daily activities connect workers, students, traders and businesses across urban and rural communities.
“You are the powerhouse of our economy because you set out early in the morning, working long hours, navigating traffic, taking our workers to work, taking our students to school, moving our people from urban areas to rural communities, connecting businesses, and helping traders get to their businesses. A lot of people earn their living because of what you do,” the governor said.
He acknowledged the challenges facing the operators and said his administration was introducing measures to improve their earnings and reduce operating costs.
“But we also see your struggles. So, I have started engaging with your executives on how we can make life better for you. As the Managing Director of the Transport Terminal just said, no more payment by our tricycle riders at any of the transport terminals,” he said.
Mbah said the removal of the daily ticket fee was part of his administration’s broader effort to tackle poverty and increase the disposable income of residents.
“Let me also recognise something. Our government, as you know, is not just about growth. We are also interested in ending poverty and making sure that you have more money or disposable income to take care of your family. And so, the issue of tickets is sealed. No more tickets for you,” he declared.
The governor also announced an extension of tricycle operating hours from 9pm to 10pm, recalling that the administration inherited a restriction limiting operations to between 6am and 9pm when it assumed office in 2023.
“Again, when we came into the office in 2023, we inherited a curfew on tricycle operators such that they could only operate from 6am to 9pm. There was a sit-at-home, but we have ended that with your support. Today, Enugu State is safe. So, we will be shifting your operational time limit from 9pm to 10pm,” he said.
On road infrastructure, Mbah said the state’s construction and rehabilitation programme was designed not only to improve mobility but also to reduce the money operators spend repairing their tricycles and the time they lose at mechanics’ workshops.
“Because I understand how bad roads can be terrible, not only for your tricycles and the money you spend on repairs, but also for the time you spend at the mechanic, all the roads in Emene, Abakpa, Idaw River, Trans-Ekulu, Awkunanaw Area, Coal Camp, New Haven, Thinkers Corner, Uwani, among others, are paved or being paved,” he said.
He assured residents that the government would complete the remaining urban road projects.
“I can assure you that there will be no road in our city that will be unpaved. We are going to pave all the remaining 1,022 roads,” he emphasised.
The governor also issued a warning against political violence, insisting that his administration would not allow anyone to undermine the peace and security achieved in the state.
“You must treasure it. You must protect it. Enugu is on an upward trajectory. We will not allow those deceptive voices and politicians who campaign in poetry but only govern in prose. With our government, you have experienced real development and real growth,” he said.
He added: “Let me also warn that we have worked extremely hard to establish a safe state. Nobody, no matter their ambition, will take that away from us. And we will not stop at anything, deploying all means necessary within the law to bring to book any violator or anybody who tries to import thugs to disrupt the peace and public safety we enjoy in this city and this state. We have zero tolerance for violence.”
Mbah urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 elections and vote for him, other APC candidates and Tinubu, arguing that the President’s policies had helped provide resources for the projects highlighted by the riders.
Other speakers at the event included the 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.
