‘We’ll mobilize our colleagues, family members to vote for you’ – Commercial transporters’
By our Correspondents
The 2027 Labour Party candidate for Uyo/Ibesikpo Asutan/Nsit Atai/Uruan Federal Constituency, Mr Ikakke Bassey, has intensified his grassroots consultations across Uyo metropolis, securing fresh endorsements from commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators.
The commercial transporters, popularly known as Keke and Okada riders, have promised to mobilize their colleagues and family members to vote for the Labour Party candidate in the forthcoming National Assembly election.
Ikakke Bassey has promised the grassroots transporters that if voted to emerge as member representing Uyo/Ibesikpo Asutan/Nsit Atai/Uruan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Abuja, he shall use his position to influence policies and empowerment programmes that would benefit them and members of their families.
Ikakke stated this over the week while addressing the grassroots commercial transporters at different locations in Uyo metropolis. He assured them to use his position to create jobs and skills, noting that the results would be felt Ward-by-Ward across the four local government areas of the federal constituency.
Addressing journalists after the consultative tour, the National Assembly hopeful said his campaign team has been engaging directly with riders at major junctions and transport hubs within the state capital.
“My humble self and campaign team members have been to Ekpri Nsukara junction to meet with Keke Rider and Motor Cyclists,” Ikakke said.
“We have also been to Ring Road 3 (Offot Ukwa) and Ikot Akpanabia junction to meet with the Keke Riders and commercial Motorcyclists there,” he added.
According to him, the tour also covered the fly-over area by Church of Christ, Abak Road, and many 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 said.
Ikakke revealed that the reception from the transporters has been overwhelming and encouraging, describing it as a clear indication that the 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 and livelihoods, stressing that fulfilling his promises would not only improve their living conditions but also give him personal fulfilment as a leader.
“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,” Ikakke said.
He disclosed 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 and challenges.
“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 said.
Speaking on behalf of their colleagues at various locations, leaders of the transport unions pledged their support for Ikakke’s aspiration, describing him as pragmatic, youthful and people-oriented.
Those who spoke include Mr. Nse Stephen Udofia for Ekpri Nsukara Keke Riders, Mr. Sunday Edem James for Ekpri Nsukara Bikes, and Mr. Kusin Sampson for Mbok Road, Ikot Anyang Offot.
Others were Mr. Julius Akpan (Obong Efak) for Ring Road 3 – Uniuyo, Mr. Henshaw Okon for Bike Men and Mr. Mfon Bassey for Keke Riders.
They all spoke glowingly of Ikakke’s pragmatism, emphasizing that with his track record and youthfulness, their interests would be protected during his tenure.
The riders said they have resolved to mobilize massively across their parks and units to ensure victory for the Labour Party candidate in 2027, noting that his direct engagement with them has given them hope for better policies, empowerment and protection of their means of livelihood.
