By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
The Abia State Tricycle Operators’ Union (ASTOPU), Aba Zone, says it is mobilising members to support Gov. Alex Otti and the Labour Party (LP) candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The chairman of the union, Mr Victor Azubike, disclosed this during a solidarity rally organised by the operators in Aba to express support for Gov. Alex Otti’s administration.
Azubike said that the union had mobilised its members to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the elections.
He said the union was also working to integrate its members, in more than 80 polling units in Aba, into the Labour Party structure to encourage their participation in the re-election campaign.
“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,” he said.
Azubike said that the operators organised the rally to appreciate Otti for road construction and other infrastructure projects across the state.
He also said that tricycle operators were among the major beneficiaries of the road projects, citing the ongoing reconstruction of Uratta and Old Express roads in Aba.
According to him, the governor’s policies and programmes have also created a more favourable environment for tricycle operators to conduct their businesses in the city.
The chairman said that the rally was initiated by the operators without government involvement, adding that members participated enthusiastically.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Dr Obioma Nwogbe, commended ASTOPU for supporting the government and pledging to mobilise members for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nwogbe attributed the operators’ support to improved road infrastructure and government policies, which he said had created a more favourable operating environment.
He said that the improved roads had reduced the frequency of mechanical problems encountered by tricycle operators, enabling them to conduct their businesses more freely.
Nwogbe also commended the ASTOPU leadership for intervening in members’ challenges, including efforts to recover stolen tricycles and support for bereaved families.
He cited an instance in which the union’s executives sought the governor’s assistance following a family tragedy, resulting in support for the family’s burial arrangements.
The aide described tricycle operators as a vital link in the state’s transport system, helping commuters reach 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.
Nwogbe said the government was pleased with the union executives’ contributions.
He added that the union’s political support extended beyond Otti’s re-election bid to other Labour Party candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The members of the union turned out in large numbers for the rally and marched from Osisioma Junction to Aba Town Hall.
