…as groups of commercial transporters pledge support
By our Correspondent
The Labour Party candidate for Uyo/Ibesikpo Asutan/Nsit Atai/Uruan Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Mr. Ikakke Bassey, has intensified his grassroots consultations in Uyo metropolis, securing fresh endorsements from commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators.
The operators, popularly known as Keke and Okada riders, have vowed to mobilize their colleagues and family members to vote for the Labour Party candidate in the forthcoming National Assembly election, describing him as a youthful, pragmatic and people-oriented leader who understands their challenges.
Ikakke, who has been touring major transport hubs in the state capital, told the riders that if elected as member representing the federal constituency in the National Assembly, Abuja, he will use his position to influence policies and facilitate empowerment programmes that will directly benefit them and their families.
He stated this during the week while addressing different groups of transporters at various locations in Uyo, assuring them that his representation will prioritize job creation, skills acquisition and inclusive development that will be felt ward-by-ward across the four local government areas of Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsit Atai and Uruan.
According to him, his campaign team has adopted a direct engagement strategy, meeting the riders at their parks and junctions rather than inviting them to town hall meetings.
“My humble self and campaign team members have been to Ekpri Nsukara junction to meet with Keke Riders and Motor Cyclists. We have also been to Ring Road 3 (Offot Ukwa) and Ikot Akpanabia junction to meet with the Keke Riders and commercial Motorcyclists there,” Ikakke said.
He added that the consultative tour also covered other busy corridors in the capital city, including the fly-over area by Church of Christ, Abak Road, and several other locations where commercial riders operate daily.
“We have also had a consultative interaction with commercial bike riders around the fly-over by Church of Christ, Abak Road, and lots more,” he told journalists after the tour.
Ikakke described the reception from the transporters as overwhelming and a clear indication that ordinary people are yearning for change and inclusive representation.
“At all these places, their support for my aspiration is overwhelming. I could see the enthusiasm. I could feel the pulse of forgotten people earnestly yearning for change. They’ve told me their challenges and these are very simple issues that are surmountable where there’s good leadership and political will to solve them,” he noted.
He assured the riders that his representation would bring tangible difference to their lives, stressing that fulfilling his promises would not only improve their living conditions but also give him personal fulfilment as a leader who desires to serve at higher levels in the future.
“I have given them my words that if I am elected, I shall make them feel the difference, not only because I have promised them, but because doing so will make them have a better life, while I will feel fulfilled. And, as a politician who may wish to go higher in service, fulfilling my first promise will give them the impetus to support me again,” he said.
Ikakke revealed that the riders expressed joy that for the first time, a National Assembly candidate has come to have a direct conversation with them about their welfare.
“On their parts, they felt so elated that for the first time, a candidate has come to have a direct conversation with them. They have promised massive support and votes in the coming election in order to bring about fresh ideas that will liberate them as far as House of Representatives is concerned,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of their colleagues, leaders of the transport groups at various locations pledged total support for Ikakke’s aspiration.
Those who spoke include Mr. Nse Stephen Udofia for Ekpri Nsukara Keke Riders, Mr. Sunday Edem James for Ekpri Nsukara Bikes, Mr. Kusin Sampson for Mbok Road, Ikot Anyang Offot, Mr. Julius Akpan (Obong Efak) for Ring Road 3 – Uniuyo, Mr. Henshaw Okon for Bike Men and Mr. Mfon Bassey for Keke Riders.
They spoke glowingly of Ikakke’s pragmatism and youthfulness, expressing confidence that with his track record, their interests and means of livelihood would be protected during his tenure in the House of Representatives.
The riders said they have resolved to mobilize massively across their parks and units to ensure victory for the Labour Party candidate in 2027.
