The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Gombe State, Bala-Bello Tinka, has promised free education up to university level as well as to lift the restriction on night operations by commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Achaba, if elected governor in 2027.
Tinka made the pledge while addressing residents and supporters during his engagements across Gombe metropolis and its environs on Tuesday.
The state government, under Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, imposed a restriction on commercial motorcycle operations between 7 pm and 6 am in Gombe metropolis and environs in June 2025 as part of measures to curb crime.
However, Tinka said the policy had affected thousands of young people who depend on motorcycle transportation for their livelihoods, as well as residents who rely on Achaba for movement, particularly at night.
He said, “If elected governor, I will review the restrictions placed on Achaba operators and restore 24-hour operations, subject to appropriate safety and regulatory measures.
“Thousands of young people depend on this business for their livelihood, while many residents depend on commercial motorcycles for transportation, especially during the late hours. We cannot ignore their needs.”
The ADC candidate also promised to tackle street crimes, particularly phone and handbag snatching, within the first two months of his administration.
Tinka said, “Within the first two months of assuming office, we will take decisive action against phone and handbag snatching. Residents should be able to move freely within their communities without fear of criminal attacks.
“We will strengthen security efforts and work closely with security agencies and community stakeholders to address street-level crime.”
On education, Tinka promised to introduce free education from primary school to university, saying financial constraints should not prevent children from poor and less privileged families from accessing education.
He said, “Education should not be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. We will provide free education from primary school through university so that children from poor and less privileged families can have equal opportunities to learn and build their future.”
The ADC candidate also pledged free antenatal care for pregnant women and free medical treatment for children from birth to five years.
He said the measures would reduce families’ financial burden and improve access to essential maternal and child healthcare services across the state.
Tinka said his administration would prioritise security, education, healthcare, youth employment and economic empowerment if elected.
“We will focus on policies that directly address the everyday challenges facing our people. Our priorities will be security, free and accessible education, maternal and child healthcare, youth employment and economic empowerment,” he said.
He urged residents of Gombe metropolis and other parts of the state to support the ADC in the 2027 governorship election, promising an administration focused on improving residents’ welfare and living standards.
