By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

No fewer than 27,000 commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, in Kwara state have thrown their weights behind the second term bid of Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq.

The President of the Okada Riders Association of Nigeria (ORAN), Kwara State’ chapter, Elder Ajewole Gabriel, disclosed this at a press conference in Ilorin, the state capital.

Gabriel, who was flanked by other members of the Association’s executives, said they were unanimous in their decision to vote massively for AbdulRazaq and other APC candidates at the 2023 polls.

Explaining that there was no division in the rank and file of ORAN in the state, Gabriel said Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has done much for the union and the transportation sector in the state to deserve their support, recalling the support that the state government gave to ORAN members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also applauded the Governor for his administration’s huge investments in road rehabilitation and construction across the state, noting that this has largely enhanced the lifespan of their motorcycles.

He said: “Between 2019 and now, we are proud to say that our Association has immensely benefitted directly and indirectly from this administration. I must recall that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the administration supported our members through the office of Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP).

“The administration has also brought some changes to our uniforms. Our uniforms now have security codes. This, we believe, is part of measures to strengthen security in the state.

“The administration’s huge investment in road infrastructure is also to our advantage as it eases movement across the state and enhances the lifespan of our motorcycle. We therefore believe that our state is in safe hands under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Hence, we do not have cause to reject the administration or do anything that will bring disrepute to the people’s government.”