NDC Accuses APC Governor Of Political Gimmick Over N750 Tricycle Ticket Suspension
NDC Accuses APC Governor Of Political Gimmick Over N750 Tricycle Ticket Suspension
The party described the move as a deceptive political gimmick ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State has criticised Governor Peter Mbah over the sudden scrapping of the ₦750 daily ticket fee for tricycle (Keke) riders and the extension of their operating hours.
The party described the move as a deceptive political gimmick ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
On Saturday, all the tricycle operators in the state Capital were allegedly coerced to come to the Okpara Square and endorse Governor Mbah for his second term bid. During the rally, the government declared that the N750 daily e-ticket has been suspended.
However, NDC in a statement issued through Mr Sampson Ukwu, media aide to its governorship candidate, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, alleged that the governor made the announcement in a desperate attempt to curry favour with transporters.
The NDC, led by its presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and governorship candidate, Ohaa, questioned the timing of the relief, noting that it comes after years of “heavy daily tickets, task-force harassment, movement restrictions” and the controversial death of a rider.
The party demanded answers regarding the death of Mr. Friday Nwobodo from Umuatugbuoma, Akegbe-Ugwu, who reportedly died at the Gariki Terminal following a confrontation with task force operatives.
The NDC accused Governor Mbah of failing to issue a public statement or visit the bereaved family, stating that the governor’s silence on the death contrasts sharply with his sudden generosity at a political rally.
The opposition party further alleged that Keke operators were coerced into attending the rally where the concessions were announced, with reports indicating that riders faced a ₦10,000 penalty if they failed to appear.
“Ndi Enugu are not fools,” the statement read. “We have not forgotten the long period of hardship faced by Keke drivers and other small business operators under this administration. We know the difference between consistent governance and last-minute political gestures.”
The NDC described the policy reversal as “dead on arrival,” asserting that the people of Enugu have seen through what it called a panic measure. The party contrasted Governor Mbah’s governance with the promises of its candidate, Ohaa, who pledged to prioritise the welfare of transporters and small business owners without using them as political tools.
The statement urged the electorate to remain firm and reject the “fake relief,” which would be reopened after election, calling for a change in leadership to ensure that the people are respected every day, not only during election cycles.
