INEC Tells Okada Riders to Avoid Violence in 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday called on commercial motorcyclists, known as Okada riders, to resist being used for violence and thuggery before, during, and after the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Adeniran Tella, made this statement during the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners Repairs and Riders Association of Nigeria Day 2026. He also launched a book by the union's Chairman, Solomon Olugbode, at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, in Ibadan.

Tella, who spoke through Olayiwola Awolowo, the Head of the Information Unit, reminded the riders to encourage their passengers to collect their Permanent Voter Cards. He said, "Let me be clear, do not allow yourselves to be used as instruments 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."

He specifically urged every member of ACOMORAN to avoid thuggery and political violence. He added, "Do not transport weapons, cash for vote-buying, or persons intent on disrupting the polls. Your motorcycle or tricycle is a tool for livelihood, not a weapon of destruction. I urge you to remain politically neutral as a union."

Tella stressed that INEC has warned transport unions against supporting any political party during elections. He stated that while individuals can support any candidate, the union’s resources should not favor one party over another. He also asked them to support INEC’s logistics, saying, "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."

In his address, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, said that if commercial transporters act peacefully, Nigerian roads will be safer, journeys will be smoother, and the economy will improve. Abimbola, represented by Chief Superintendent of Police Lawrence Kehinde, said, "Peace on our roads begins with the transporter. If commercial transporters conduct themselves peacefully, our cities will be safer, our journeys will be smoother, and our economy will grow."

He added, "Peaceful conduct is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of professionalism, maturity, and responsibility. Every transporter should, therefore, see himself as an ambassador of peace." The CP also urged them to avoid violence and behave peacefully during the 2027 elections.

Adesina Akinpelu, a leader of the Odua People’s Congress, also advised the union members not to let themselves be used to create unrest 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 others to their destinations."

Muslim cleric Mahmud Eleshinmeta advised union members to use their time and bodies wisely. He said, "It is not until you take alcohol or 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."

In his welcome address, Olugbode Solomon, the state Chairman of the union, explained that the event aimed to educate members against social vices.