Members of the Abia State Tricycles Operators Union (ASTOPU), Umuahia Zone, on Friday staged a solidarity march through major roads and streets of Umuahia, the state capital, in support of Governor Alex Otti’s re-election bid in 2027.
Addressing journalists during the march, which terminated at Government House, Umuahia, the Union’s chairman, Comrade Chinweotito Appolos, announced that Union has endorsed Governor Otti as its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Appolos said the Union’s decision was informed by the achievements of the Otti led administration in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and other critical sectors, noting that their support is a call for continuity in the delivery of democratic dividends.
He said tricycle operators had experienced improvements in governance, particularly in road construction and rehabilitation, which he noted had eased their operations and reduced the cost of maintaining their vehicles.
According to him, the improved road network has reduced the frequency of breakdowns and visits to mechanic workshops, allowing operators to conduct their businesses without disruptions.
The Union Chairman pledged the support of the organisation’s thousands of members for Governor Otti’s second-term ambition, assuring the governor that they would also vote for Labour Party candidates in the forthcoming elections.
Responding, Governor Ottii thanked the operators for their endorsement, saying the administration’s performance had helped address longstanding complaints about road infrastructure in the state.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba,recalled that bad roads had previously triggered protests by residents and transport operators, who sometimes blocked highways to draw attention to their plight.
“Before now, we used to see people like you protesting and blocking the roads because of the bad roads.
“Within three years, the Alex Otti-led government has wiped out the tears of Ndị Abia”, the governor said.
He urged residents not to be deceived by politicians who, according to him, failed to deliver comparable results during their years in office.
Governor Otti maintained that his administration’s achievements in three years demonstrated its commitment to Abia’s development.
He urged voters to judge political leaders by their performance and contributions to the welfare of the people.
Governor Otti who stressed that electoral participation was essential to determining the state’s political future, called on eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The Governor noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had commenced distribution ahead of the 2027 elections.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr Obiọma Nwogbe, commended the tricycle operators for their support for the governor and his re-election bid, describing the tricycle operators as the life wire of the transport ecosystem.
