Key Takeaways
- Bala Bello Tinka, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, pledges to lift the current night-time ban on commercial motorcycles (Achaba).
- He promises to restore 24-hour Achaba operations, citing economic empowerment for operators and essential transportation for residents.
- Tinka commits to decisive action against street crime, particularly phone and handbag snatching, within the first two months of assuming office.
- His agenda includes free education from primary school through university and free maternal and child healthcare for children aged birth to five years.
- The candidate prioritizes security, education, healthcare, youth employment, and economic empowerment as cornerstones of his administration.
Gombe State's political landscape is heating up as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Bala Bello Tinka, unveils an ambitious agenda designed to resonate with the state's populace. Tinka has made a series of significant pledges, including the highly anticipated review and potential lifting of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Achaba, alongside robust commitments to security, education, and healthcare.
Reversing the Achaba Ban: A Promise of Economic Revival
A central pillar of Tinka's campaign is his promise to reverse the current restrictions on Achaba operations. Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya's administration had, in June 2025, imposed a night-time ban on commercial motorcycles in Gombe metropolis and its environs, restricting operations from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM. This measure was reportedly implemented to curb rising crime rates within the state capital.
Addressing enthusiastic residents and supporters across Gombe metropolis, Tinka articulated his vision for a more inclusive economy. He stated that if elected, his administration would lift these restrictions, allowing operators to resume full-time, 24-hour services across the state. This move, he emphasized, would be "subject to appropriate safety and regulatory measures." Tinka highlighted that thousands of young people depend on the Achaba business for their livelihoods, and countless residents rely on these motorcycles for transportation, especially during late hours when other options are scarce. The lifting of the ban, he argued, would not only stimulate local commerce but also provide much-needed employment opportunities for the state's youth.
Decisive Action Against Street Crime
Beyond economic revitalization, Tinka also outlined a firm stance on public safety. He pledged to take decisive action against prevalent street crimes, particularly phone and handbag snatching, which have become a growing concern for residents. The ADC candidate promised that within the first two months of his administration, his government would implement robust measures to tackle these criminal activities.
Tinka stressed that Gombe residents should be able to move freely within their communities without fear of criminal attacks. He committed to strengthening security efforts and fostering close collaboration with relevant security agencies and community stakeholders to effectively address street-level crime and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.
Investing in Human Capital: Free Education and Healthcare
Further demonstrating a commitment to social welfare, Tinka reiterated his pledge to provide free education from primary school through university. This policy, he explained, aims to ensure that children from poor and less privileged families are not denied educational opportunities due to financial constraints. He believes that investing in education will empower young people, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to Gombe State’s development and future prosperity.
On healthcare, the ADC candidate promised free antenatal care for all pregnant women and free medical treatment for children from birth to five years of age. These measures, he asserted, would significantly reduce the financial burden on families and improve access to essential maternal and child healthcare services across Gombe State, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for its most vulnerable populations.
Tinka concluded by affirming that his administration would prioritize security, free and accessible education, maternal and child healthcare, youth employment, and economic empowerment. He described these as key areas crucial for improving the welfare and living standards of ordinary residents across Gombe State.
Why This Matters
Bala Bello Tinka's comprehensive platform directly addresses critical socio-economic challenges facing Gombe State, from youth unemployment and public safety to access to education and healthcare. His pledges, particularly the promise to lift the Achaba ban, hold significant appeal for a large segment of the electorate, potentially reshaping the political discourse and offering a distinct alternative to the incumbent administration's policies. The outcome of these promises will undoubtedly influence the livelihood of thousands and the overall development trajectory of Gombe State.