The Abia State Tricycle Operators’ Union (ASTOPU), Aba Zone, has commenced grassroots mobilisation for Governor Alex Otti’s re-election in 2027.
The Union also plans to integrate its members across more than 80 polling units in Aba into the Labour Party’s political structure ahead of the general elections.
The ASTOPU Chairman, Mr Victor Azubike, disclosed this on Wednesday during a solidarity rally in Aba, where operators expressed support for the Otti led administration.
The Union’s Chairman cited road construction and other government interventions as reasons for their backing the re-election bid of Governor Otti.
He said the Union had already mobilised its members to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing voter participation as a crucial factor in determining electoral outcomes.
“We are fully prepared for 2027 elections. Right from voters’ registration, we mobilised our people to register and have their PVCs because that is the number one strength of election”, Azubuike said.
He explained that the Union was working to strengthen its political presence across more than 80 polling units in Aba by integrating its members into the Labour Party structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the Tricycle Operators organised the rally independently to appreciate the Governor’s efforts in road development and other infrastructure projects across the state.
Azubike identified the ongoing reconstruction of Uratta and Old Express roads in Aba as particularly beneficial to tricycle operators, whose businesses depend largely on accessible roads and efficient movement within the city.
He added that the Otti led administration’s policies and programmes had created a more favourable operating environment for members, noting that the rally reflected their willingness to demonstrate support for the government.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Dr Obioma Nwogbe, commended the Union for its support and commitment to mobilising votes for the Labour Party in the forthcoming elections.
Nwogbe attributed the Tricycle Operators’ position partly to improvements in road infrastructure, pointing out that better road conditions had reduced the frequency of mechanical problems affecting their tricycles and helped them conduct their businesses more efficiently.
He described Tricycle Operators as an important part of Abia’s transportation network, particularly because of their role in connecting commuters to their destinations.
“Transport is the major gateway for the nation’s economy, and that is why His Excellency has worked towards developing transport infrastructure, particularly roads, which the ordinary people can easily access”, he said.
The Governor’s aide also praised the ASTOPU leadership for its efforts to address members’ welfare concerns, including interventions in cases involving stolen tricycles and assistance to bereaved families.
He recalled an instance in which the Union’s executives approached the Governor for assistance following a family’s death, resulting in support for the family’s burial arrangements.
Nwogbe said the government appreciated the contributions of the Union’s leadership, adding that its planned mobilisation would extend beyond Otti’s re-election bid to other Labour Party candidates contesting the 2027 general elections.
The rally attracted a large turnout of tricycle operators, who marched from Osisioma Junction to Aba Town Hall to demonstrate their solidarity with the State Government.
