The Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association (COMTOA) in Delta State has endorsed President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to mobilise its over 25,000 members across the state.
The endorsement was announced on Friday during a solidarity visit by the association’s leadership and members to Government House, Asaba, where they expressed appreciation to the Oborevwori administration for its support towards commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators.
The endorsement was formally adopted through a motion moved by the association’s State Treasurer, Prince Miller, and seconded by its State Secretary, Emmanuel Afatakpa.
Speaking during the visit, the leader of the delegation, Godday Nzete, said the association’s decision to support Tinubu, Oborevwori and other APC candidates was informed by the government’s recognition of COMTOA and its commitment to improving the welfare of transport operators.
Nzete explained that although only a fraction of the association’s estimated 25,000 members participated in the visit, plans were underway for a massive statewide mobilisation ahead of the elections.
“We want to appreciate them for their good work and for the support they have given us as an association in this state,” he said.
“We are ready to set aside a day to mobilise our members across the entire state in support of Sheriff and all APC candidates, from the presidency down.”
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the state government, the Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu, commended the association for its support and urged members to take the campaign to their various communities and electoral units.
Emu noted that commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators occupied a strategic position in grassroots mobilisation because of their daily interactions with passengers and residents across the state.
“The job has just started. Go back to your units and continue preaching the good news,” he charged.
The SSG also disclosed that the state government had recruited and equipped 1,000 forest guards as part of efforts to tackle criminal activities and improve security across Delta State.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at flushing criminals out of forests, restoring confidence among farmers and creating a safer environment for agricultural and economic activities.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, appreciated COMTOA for its solidarity and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of commercial transport operators.
Agofure said the Oborevwori administration had introduced subsidies on daily operational tickets to reduce the financial burden on motorcycle and tricycle operators across the state.
The State Director of Protocol, Sunday Onoriode, described the association’s endorsement as a demonstration of confidence in the leadership of Tinubu and Oborevwori.
He said the governor’s investments in road infrastructure, peace and security had positively impacted the transport sector by improving movement and creating a more conducive environment for commercial operators.
Similarly, the APC State Organising Secretary, Emmanuel Egbabor, commended the association for identifying with the ruling party and urged members to sustain their support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Egbabor praised Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that increased financial allocations to state and local governments had strengthened their capacity to execute developmental projects and provide essential infrastructure.
He encouraged COMTOA members to intensify grassroots engagement and mobilise support for APC candidates at all levels.
The solidarity visit was attended by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Johnson Erijo; Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu; Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Edwin Uzor; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Festus Ahon; and Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Fred Oghenesivbe, among other government officials and APC stakeholders.
With its estimated membership of over 25,000 operators spread across Delta State, COMTOA’s endorsement adds to the growing number of organised groups declaring support for Tinubu, Oborevwori and the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association’s proposed statewide mobilisation is expected to further demonstrate the extent of its grassroots political engagement as preparations for the elections gather momentum.
