By Ademola Ade
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned commercial motorcyclists and tricycle operators against allowing politicians to recruit them as political thugs, instruments of violence and agents of electoral malpractice ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission specifically cautioned members of transport unions against transporting weapons, facilitating vote-buying or providing support for individuals seeking to disrupt elections, stressing that their motorcycles and tricycles should remain instruments of livelihood rather than tools for threatening public peace.
Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Adeniran Tella, gave the warning yesterday at the 2026 Day celebration of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairs and Riders Association of Nigeria, ACOMORAN, held alongside the launch of a book authored by the association’s state chairman, Solomon Olugbode, at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
Tella, who was represented by the Head of INEC’s Information Unit, Olayiwola Awolowo, urged commercial transport operators to maintain political neutrality as an association and resist attempts by politicians to exploit their membership and operational structures for electoral violence.
He said: “Let me be clear, do not allow yourselves to be used as instruments 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.”
The INEC representative also called on the operators to mobilise passengers and other members of the public to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, describing voter participation and public enlightenment as important to the success of the electoral process.
He warned that although individual members were entitled to support candidates of their choice, the association must not allow its infrastructure or resources to be used to advance the interests of any political party.
“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,” he said.
Tella further urged the association to support the commission’s election logistics by ensuring the safe and timely movement of electoral materials and personnel whenever engaged.
He also challenged members to become voter education ambassadors by promoting peaceful participation, tolerance and responsible voting across motor parks and among their passengers.
Similarly, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, urged commercial transport operators to embrace peaceful conduct, describing them as critical stakeholders in maintaining security and public order.
Abimbola, represented by the Officer-in-Charge of the Motor Traffic Department of the state Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police Lawrence Kehinde, said professionalism among transport operators would contribute to safer roads, smoother transportation and economic growth.
He 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.”
The police commissioner also cautioned the operators against violence and other activities capable of disrupting public order before, during and after the 2027 elections.
In his remarks, a leader of the Odua People’s Congress, Adesina Akinpelu, warned members against allowing politicians and other individuals to use them to foment trouble, create confusion or destabilise the state.
Akinpelu, who commended the operators for sustaining their businesses despite prevailing economic difficulties, described their services as indispensable to millions of Nigerians who depend on commercial motorcycles and tricycles for daily transportation.
“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 millions of Nigerians. Without you, many people cannot get to their destinations,” he said.
He noted that the operators played important roles in the daily activities of market women, traders, students and other members of the public.
Also speaking, a Muslim cleric, Mahmud Eleshinmeta, urged members to embrace discipline and responsible living, particularly in the management of their bodies, time and financial resources.
He cautioned against substance abuse, stressing that alcohol and drugs were not prerequisites for productivity or success.
“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,” he said.
Earlier, ACOMORAN Chairman in Oyo State, Solomon Olugbode, said the celebration was organised to promote discipline, responsible conduct and professionalism among members, while sensitising them to social vices and practices capable of damaging their lives and the reputation of the association.
He said the association considered it important to educate members beyond their daily commercial activities and encourage responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence and positive contributions to society.
According to him, “This programme was organised to educate our members against social vices and to remind them of the importance of discipline, responsible behaviour and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“As commercial transport operators, we have important roles to play in society, and we must conduct ourselves in ways that promote peace, safety and mutual respect.”
Olugbode stressed that members should be recognised not only for providing transportation services but also for their contributions to community development.
He called for continuous education and enlightenment, noting that the growth of the association depended on members’ commitment to discipline, unity and respect for the law.
He thanked dignitaries, security agencies, government representatives and other stakeholders who attended the celebration, urging members to translate the messages delivered at the event into responsible conduct.
