Daud Olatunji
The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress-led administration of using the power of incumbency to harass, intimidate and suppress opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition party also alleged that its campaign train was attacked with gunshots, stones and other weapons at Ososa in Odogbolu Local Government Area, during its Ogun East Senatorial District campaign flag-off on Wednesday.
The PDP State Chairman, Dr Abayomi Tella, made the allegations on Thursday at a press briefing held at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, where he called on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
The allegations have, however, triggered a counterclaim from the APC, which has called for an investigation into alleged sporadic shooting involving security personnel attached to the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.
Tella alleged that several vehicles in the PDP campaign convoy were vandalised, while some party members sustained injuries during the attack.
He further alleged that the police arrested some PDP members who, according to him, were victims and complainants in the incident.
The PDP chairman said between five and six members were still in police custody as of the time of the briefing, while others were allegedly being sought by the police.
He said, “It is sad that the police have now arrested PDP members who are meant to be the complainants. These complainants are the people who were attacked, and they are our members.
“But they are the ones the police are now arresting, while the perpetrators of the attack against us have been left untouched.”
Tella said the party had reported the incident at the Idowa Police Station and the Igbeba Area Command, urging the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to ensure an independent investigation.
The PDP chairman also claimed that one of the party’s candidates, Hon. Agbolade, had his vehicle shot at during the incident.
According to him, the vehicle suffered damage to its tyre and alloy rim, while several other vehicles had their windscreens smashed.
“I personally inspected that car. We have pictures of all those things I’m telling you about. We have videos.
“Any gunshot that can penetrate an alloy rim, that type of gun should be investigated,” Tella said.
He added that no fatality had been confirmed as of the time of the briefing, although he alleged that several members were injured.
Tella also alleged that the PDP was prevented from using a venue at Idowa after it had obtained approval and paid ₦170,000 for the facility.
He said the party had initially informed the Dagburewe of Idowa of its plan to hold the campaign rally in the community.
According to him, the traditional ruler directed the party to the Olotu, who was said to be responsible for the venue.
Tella claimed that the Olotu approved the use of the venue and provided a community account into which the party paid the required ₦170,000.
“We met the Olotu, and he gave approval for us to use the venue and provided the community account into which we paid the required sum of ₦170,000. We have the payment receipt available with us,” he said.
However, he alleged that the approval was withdrawn only a few hours before the planned rally.
The development, according to him, forced the party to relocate the campaign event to Odogbolu.
Tella said the campaign train subsequently moved through major streets in Ijebu-Ode before proceeding towards Idowa and Ososa.
He alleged that the convoy was again blocked at Idowa by hoodlums who claimed to be acting on the instruction of the traditional ruler.
According to him, the PDP members remained calm and eventually passed through the area after appealing to those who blocked the road.
Asked about the role of the Dagburewe, Tella said he was reluctant to draw conclusions about a traditional ruler because of the reverence attached to monarchs in Yoruba society.
He, however, said the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of the venue required investigation.
“I am yet to establish the veracity of the issue, but I think it’s quite unusual,” he said.
He added, “As press people, you can further investigate, particularly by speaking with the Kabiyesi.”
Tella said he expected the monarch’s approval to have remained valid after the party had been directed to the Olotu and had paid the required fee.
The PDP chairman accused the APC-led government of denying the party access to billboard spaces for its governorship candidate.
He specifically mentioned the Ogun State Signage and Advertising Agency, OGSAA, alleging that despite notifications to the relevant agencies, the PDP had been unable to secure billboard spaces, while other political parties had been allowed to erect their campaign materials.
“We have tried a lot, but up till now, we are still being denied, whereas other political parties are allowed to erect their billboards across Ogun State,” he alleged.
Tella described the development, as well as the alleged disruption of the Idowa campaign and the Ososa attack, as part of what he believed was an attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The PDP is too united to be destabilised. We will remain unwavering in our commitment to emancipate and liberate the people of Ogun State,” he said.
Tella also dismissed earlier claims that the PDP had lost its political relevance in the state, saying recent developments indicated, in his view, renewed strength for the party.
“Six months ago, so many claims that this party was dead were made by the ruling party. But in the last two to three months, they have now discovered that PDP has become Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead, and we are waxing stronger,” he said.
The APC has separately urged the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the Ososa shooting and determine the identities of those responsible.
In a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Olufemi Nuberu, the ruling party alleged that the reported shooting involved security personnel attached to Adebutu, and questioned the discharge of firearms in a populated area.
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