Mbah scraps daily Keke tickets, extends operations to 10pm as Riders endorse him, Tinubu for 2027

…Pledges to pave remaining 1,022 urban roads, warns against violence

Governor of Enugu state, Dr Peter Mbah has scraped the daily ticket fee for tricycle operators, extended their operating hours from 9:00pm to 10pm and pledged to pave the remaining 1,022 urban roads, just as tricycle riders endorsed him and President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027. general elections.

The governor also reaffirmed that tricycle operators would continue to use the state’s modern transport terminals free of charge, saying the measures were aimed at reducing their operating costs, increasing their disposable income and improving the welfare of their families.

He announced these on Saturday, October 18,2026, at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, during a One Million March organised by the Tricycle Riders Association of Enugu State to endorse him, Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during the endorsement , the association’s State Chairman, Comrade Kingsley Edeh, said the endorsement was informed by what he described as the impact of the administration’s policies and projects on the livelihoods of tricycle operators, their families and residents of the state.

He listed improvements in security, road infrastructure, education and transportation, as well as the revival of previously abandoned projects, including the International Conference Centre, Niger gas Limited, Sunrise Flour Mill and Hotel Presidential as reasons for their endorsement.

He also commended the construction of modern transport terminals, the development of the 267 Smart Green Schools and road projects across the state, saying the improved environment had made it easier for members to conduct their businesses.

The association also endorsed Tinubu, highlighting federal road projects in the South-East, including the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, as well as other infrastructure projects and strategic appointments as reasons

From R – L, SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, Gov Mbah and the national secretary, tricycle union, Sunday Enang

He said they will vote for APC,
“We will vote APC from top to bottom come 2027,” Edeh said.

Responding, governor Mbah described tricycle operators as critical contributors to Enugu’s economy, noting that they transport workers, students, traders and other residents while connecting urban centres with rural communities.
He said their services supported businesses and provided livelihoods for thousands of families, adding that the government recognised the challenges they faced, particularly the cost of operating and maintaining their tricycles.

“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,” the governor said.

Mbah said his administration was not only concerned with economic growth but also with reducing poverty and ensuring that residents had more money available to meet their household needs.
“But we also see your struggles. So, I have started engaging with your executives on how we can make life better for you,” he said.

Support group, 260 legacy founded by the Convener, Dr Amaka Ngene,on the move.

The governor said the payment of daily tickets by tricycle operators had ended . He added that they would not pay fees to use designated government transport terminals.
He also announced that their operating hours would be extended from 9pm to 10pm, explaining that the earlier restriction was inherited by his administration when it assumed office in 2023.

Keke Riders showing support for Governor Mbah

According to Mbah, improved security in the state has created conditions for commercial transport operators to work longer hours.
The governor further pledged to pave all the remaining 1,022 urban roads in Enugu, saying the programme would reduce vehicle maintenance costs and the time operators spend repairing their tricycles.

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.
“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 these areas are paved or being paved.
“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 said.

Governor Mbah also reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for political violence, warning politicians and their supporters against activities capable of undermining the peace and security of the state.

He said the government would deploy all lawful means to protect public safety and bring to justice anyone found importing thugs or attempting to disrupt the peace.
“We have worked extremely hard to establish a safe state. Nobody, no matter their ambition, will take that away from us,” he said.
The governor urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the 2027 elections, following the association’s endorsement of him, Tinubu and other APC candidates.

Support groups, 260Legacy( Left,) PM4PM R(ight)

He also credited the Tinubu administration’s policies with helping to make resources available for development projects, urging the operators to support the party’s candidates in the forthcoming elections.

Earlier, the National Secretary of the Tricycle Riders Association of Nigeria, Comrade Sunday Enang, commended Mbah’s investments in transportation5, road construction and urban mobility.
He described the administration’s initiatives, including Enugu Air, modern transport terminals, an asphalt plant and intra-city and inter-city road construction, as interventions aimed at improving movement and creating economic opportunities.

The national secretary also commended the policy allowing tricycle operators to use designated transport terminals without paying toll fees, saying it recognised their contributions to the economy and the livelihoods of thousands of families.

Enang urged the operators to maintain discipline, observe traffic regulations, use designated terminals responsibly and cooperate with government agencies to ensure safe and orderly transportation.
He further proposed the establishment of a Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Library and Leadership Centre for Disruptive Innovation and Transformation after the governor’s tenure to document the administration’s projects and preserve lessons for future generations.

Speaking, the Managing Director of Enugu East Zone Transport Terminals, Dr John Egbo, highlighted the administration’s transportation initiatives.

Egbo said the introduction of Coal City taxis could create opportunities for eligible tricycle operators to transition to air-conditioned vehicles.He commended the association’s leadership for organising the event and called on operators to maintain peaceful relations with government agencies while complying with safety and traffic regulations.

Others who spoke at the event included the Enugu State APC Chairman, Dr Martins Chukwunweike, and the representative of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Greg Ugwu, they highlighted some of the jobs executed by Gov Mbah administration and urged the people to vote for APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.