…as commercial transport operators in Uyo pledge mobilization
By Rose Ekan
UYO — The 2027 race for the Uyo/Ibesikpo Asutan/Nsit Atai/Uruan Federal Constituency seat is gathering early momentum, with Labour Party candidate, Mr. Ikakke Bassey securing a major grassroots boost over the weekend after commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators across Uyo publicly declared support for his National Assembly ambition.
In what could be best described as a “people-first tour,” riders in Uyo halted operations briefly at five major transport hubs to meet with Bassey, listen to his policy proposals, and pledge to mobilize votes for the LP ticket. The wave of endorsements stretched from Bikemen at Mbiabong Junction to operators at Ifa Big Junction, Shelter Afrique Junction, Ring Road 3 Keke Park, and back to Bikemen at Ring Road 3.
For many of the riders, the appeal was simple: they want a lawmaker who understands life at the park and on the road.
Stepping down from his campaign van at each stop, Bassey moved through the crowds, shaking hands, answering questions, and taking notes on recurring complaints. Top on the list were rising fuel costs, multiple taxation, harassment by taskforces, and lack of access to affordable credit.
At Shelter Afrique Junction, the atmosphere turned charged as Bassey addressed hundreds of Keke operators and passengers who had gathered.
“I will make you feel the impact of governance,” the National Assembly hopeful assured, drawing cheers and chants of “Grassroots First.”
He continued: “The National Assembly seat is not for big grammar. It is for service delivery that touches markets, parks, and neighborhoods where ordinary Akwa Ibom people live and work.”
The community development expert outlined a four-pronged welfare plan for commercial riders if elected in 2027. Key promises include a structured cooperative loan scheme to help operators own their vehicles, the establishment of subsidized maintenance centers across the four LGAs, trainings for skills required for the Oil and Gas sector and legislation to guarantee immediate and free medical attention for riders involved in accidents.
“We’re not praying for any of you to be involved in accidents,” Bassey said, adding that “But if it occurs, there must be a safety net. We will also institutionalize regular engagements with transport unions during budget planning so your interests are not an afterthought.”
He went further to quantify the sector’s contribution to the state economy.
“Let me shock you here: you guys are contributing in billions every day, week, month and year to the Akwa Ibom State government. So, you deserve to be accorded due attention,” he told the crowd amidst thunderous applause.
Bassey criticized what he called the long exclusion of transport workers from policy conversations.
“But unfortunately, politics has kept people like you outside the room where decisions are made,” he said.
“When I get to Abuja, your union leaders will have a direct line to my office. No policy about Keke and Okada will be made without inputs from Keke and Okada riders. We are building from the ground up. When governance works for the man at the junction, then it is working for everyone.”
In his remarks on behalf of the Keke Riders at Ring Road 3, Mr. Ekanikpong Udim said the decision was based on Bassey’s track record of engagement at the grassroots and his clear understanding of the people’s problems.
“We have seen politicians come and go,” Udim noted , affirming that “This one came to us, not the other way round. He sat with us, he ate with us, he understands our pains.”
The solidarity was visible across the city. At Mbiabong Junction, bikemen wore LP-branded vests and carried placards reading ‘Grassroots First 2027’.
At Ifa Big Junction, riders formed a moving convoy, honking as they accompanied Bassey to the next hub.
Commercial transport operators represent one of the largest voting and mobilization blocs in Uyo metropolis. Their early alignment with Bassey signals how the 2027 contest is already shifting toward grassroots organizing, with the Labour Party looking to consolidate its appeal ahead of party primaries.
Bassey, who is known for community empowerment advocacy programs across the federal constituency, said the tour is just beginning.
His team announced plans to hold town halls in wards across Uyo, Nsit Atai, Uruan, and Ibesikpo Asutan LGAs in the coming weeks. He also urged young people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and to actively monitor the electoral process.
According to the campaign councils leadership, next week’s engagements will extend to market associations and student groups as the party intensifies consultations.
