PDP demands probe of alleged attack on campaign train in Ogun

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged attack on its campaign train in Ososa, Odogbolu local government area of the state.

The State Chairman of the party, Dr Abayomi Tella, made the call on Thursday, while addressing journalists in Abeokuta on alleged political harassment, intimidation and victimisation of PDP members in the state.

Tella appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to deploy a special investigation team to Ogun State to probe the incident.

The alleged attack occurred on Wednesday during the flag-off of the PDP’s Ogun East campaign, which, according to Tella, commenced peacefully as the campaign train moved from various local government areas through Ijebu-Ode towards Odogbolu.

He alleged that the last batch of vehicles in the convoy came under attack at Ososa, where hoodlums reportedly fired gunshots and threw stones and other objects at the campaigners.

According to him, several vehicles were vandalised and some party members sustained injuries.

Tella said the investigation should, among other things, establish the type of firearm allegedly used during the incident.

“The first thing I would plead with the IGP to do is to thoroughly investigate what transpired on Wednesday and ascertain what type of gun was used to shoot at our candidate’s car,” he said.

“What type of gun was used to shoot at that particular rim that can penetrate it? I think that’s important.”

The PDP chairman said he personally inspected a vehicle belonging to Hon. Agbolade, whom he identified as the party’s candidate for the affected constituency, and alleged that the vehicle bore a gunshot mark on its alloy rim after its tyre was deflated.

He also said photographs and videos of the damaged vehicles were available.

Tella further alleged that the incident was reported at the Idowa Police Division and the Igbeba Area Command, but expressed concern that some PDP members who were allegedly victims of the attack had been arrested.

“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,” he said.

He claimed that between five and six PDP members remained in police custody, while others were allegedly being sought by the police.

The chairman urged the police to “act with conscience” and investigate the matter without bias.

“We also want to appeal to the Nigerian Police to act with conscience and conduct a thorough investigation into this particular matter,” Tella said.

He described the IGP as an “exemplary leader” and said the PDP would continue to pursue peaceful political engagement.

“I think I have a right to walk anywhere in Ogun State, even by extension, in Nigeria. If I now have to be walking around and I have to watch my back, then it means they want to fail the IGP. But I stand with him that he will not fail,” he said.

Tella also alleged that the PDP was prevented from holding its Ogun East campaign flag-off at Idowa despite having obtained approval and paid N170,000 for the use of the venue.

He said, party officials initially contacted the Dagburewe of Idowa, who directed them to the Olootu, whom he identified as the official responsible for the venue.

According to Tella, the Olootu approved the use of the venue and provided a community account into which the PDP paid the required N170,000.

“We met the Olootu, and he gave approval for us to use the venue and provided the community account into which we paid the required sum of N170,000. We have the payment receipt available with us,” he said.

He alleged that the party was stopped from using the venue only a few hours before the scheduled event, forcing it to relocate the rally to Odogbolu.

Tella said the campaign train subsequently moved through major streets in Ijebu-Ode before proceeding towards Idowa and Ososa.

He claimed that the campaigners received a warm reception from residents at Idowa market before encountering resistance from people who allegedly said they had instructions from the traditional ruler not to allow the convoy to pass.

“We remained calm. We stayed there until we were able to plead and get through the gates, after which we left Idowa township,” he said.

APC condemns alleged shooting

The allegations came after the Ogun State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Olufemi Nuberu, condemned what he described as sporadic shooting during the incident.

Nuberu alleged that the shooting involved security personnel attached to the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the incident.

He also urged the police to hold anyone found culpable accountable.

Tella however maintained that the party remained committed to peaceful political participation and would not be intimidated ahead of the 2027 general 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.

He also alleged that the incidents formed part of attempts by the ruling party to suppress the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We also want the public to be aware of what we believe are the game plans of the ruling party to victimise and oppress the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Tella said.

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