The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused Governor Peter Mbah of exploiting the suspension of the N750 daily tricycle ticket fee to gain political support ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The opposition party alleged that the announcement, which also included an extension of tricycle operators’ working hours, was a calculated attempt to win over transporters after years of complaints about levies, task force harassment and movement restrictions.

SaharaReporters reported that the state government announced the suspension during a rally at Okpara Square on Saturday, where tricycle operators were allegedly compelled to attend and endorse Mbah’s second-term ambition. The NDC further claimed that riders who failed to attend faced a N10,000 penalty.

In a statement issued by Sampson Ukwu, media aide to the party’s governorship candidate, Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, the NDC also demanded an explanation over the reported death of a tricycle operator, Friday Nwobodo, from Umuatugbuoma, Akegbe-Ugwu. Nwobodo reportedly died at Gariki Terminal following a confrontation with task force operatives.

The party faulted Mbah for allegedly failing to publicly address the incident or visit the deceased’s family, arguing that the governor’s silence contrasted with the announcement of concessions at a political gathering. It described the suspension as a politically motivated gesture rather than a lasting solution to the concerns of transport operators.

The NDC urged voters to reject what it termed temporary electoral relief, alleging that the suspended charges could return after the election. It said Ohaa’s proposed administration would prioritise the welfare of transporters and small business owners without subjecting them to political pressure.