Commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada riders, have been warned against allowing themselves to be used to cause trouble ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The warning was given during the 2026 day ceremony of the Oyo chapter of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle, Tricycle Repairers, Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, ACOMORAN.
Speakers at the event include the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Oyo State, Professor Adeniran Tella, an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Mahmud Eleshinmeta and a leader of Odua People's Congress, Comrade Adesina Akinpelu.
The event which was held on Thursday at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke Ado, in Ibadan, was attended by hundreds of commercial motorcyclists in the state.
Tella who was represented by the Head of Information unit of the commission, Mr Olayiwola Awolowo, advised the union members not to allow themselves to be used as instrument of violence or thuggery before, during and after the elections.
He also advised them to encourage their passengers to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs.
"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," Tella told the okada riders.
Akinpelu, in his contribution, 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 millions of Nigerians. Without you, many people cannot get to their destinations. You transport market women, traders, students and other categories of people to their destinations."
Eleshinmeta advised the union members against consumption of hard drugs.
He said, "It is not until you take alcohol and 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."
Chairman of the union, Olugbode, in his welcome address, explained that the programme was organised in order to educate members of the union against social vices.
2027: Don't be used to cause trouble - INEC, OPC warn okada riders