The Independent National Electoral Commission, on Thursday urged the commercial motorcyclists, popularly called Okada riders against allowing themselves to be used as instrument of violence and thuggery before, during and after the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

The Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Adeniran Tella gave the advice during the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners Repairs and Riders Association of Nigeria, Day 2026 and the launch of the book written by the Chairman of the union, Solomon Olugbode, at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, in Ibadan, the state capital.

Tella, who was represented by the Head of Information Unit of the commission, Olayiwola Awolowo, further admonished them to encourage their passengers to collect their Permanent Voter Cards.

He said, “Let me be clear, do not allow yourselves to be used as instrument of violence or thuggery. The Nigeria Police Force has warned that the law will take its full course against anyone, no matter their status, who threatens public peace or engages in criminal conduct before, during or after the elections.

“Specifically, I charge every ACOMORAN member to shun thuggery and political violence. Do not transport weapons, cash for vote-buying or persons intent on disrupting the polls. Your motorcycle or tricycle is a tool of livelihood, not a weapon of destruction. I urge you to remain politically neutral as a union.

“INEC has warned transport unions against partisanship, especially when engaged for election logistics. While you have the right to support any candidate of your choice as individuals, the union’s infrastructure must never be hijacked to favour one party over another. Importantly, I implore you to support INEC’s logistics.

“INEC relies on the transport sector to move election materials and personnel. When engaged, conduct yourselves with professionalism and ensure that materials reach polling units promptly and safely. I beg you to also become Voter Education Ambassadors. Take the message of peace, tolerance and responsible voting to every motor park and every passenger you carry,” INEC further urged.

In his message, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, said if commercial transporters conduct themselves peacefully, Nigerian roads will be safer, and the journeys will be smoother, and the economy will grow.

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Abimbola, who was represented by the Officer in Charge of state Police command Motor Traffic Department, Chief Superintendent of Police, Lawrence Kehinde, said, “Peace on our roads begins with the transporter. If commercial transporters conduct themselves peacefully, our cities will be safer, our journeys will be smoother, and our economy will grow.

“Peaceful conduct is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of professionalism, maturity, and responsibility. Every transporter should, therefore see himself as an ambassador of peace,” he added.

The CP also enjoined them to eschew violence and conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during the 2027 general elections.

One of the leaders of Odua People’s Congress, Adesina Akinpelu, also advised the union members not to be used as tools to cause confusion in the state.

He said, “Do not be used to cause troubles. Don’t let them use you. I salute your courage in this present economy. You provide essential transportation services to millons of Nigerians. Without you, many people cannot get to their destinations. You transport market women, traders, students and other categories of people to be their destinations.”

Also speaking, a Muslim cleric, Mahmud Eleshinmeta, advised the union members to use their time and body widely.

He said, “It is not until you take alcohol or other substances that you can perform your duties. Taking drugs and other substances does not determine your success. Do not use your body unjustly. Spend your wealth prudently. Your life depends on you. The way you live it.”

In his welcome address, the state Chairman of the union, Olugbode Solomon, explained that the programme was organised with a view to educating members of the union against social vices

Source: Punch · Ademola Adegbite

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