Ogun: PDP alleges harassment, intimidation during campaign at Odogbolu

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using its incumbency to harass, intimidate and suppress the activities of the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The State Chairman of the party, Dr Abayomi Tella, made the allegation on Thursday, while addressing journalists in Abeokuta, on what he described as a series of incidents of political harassment, including the alleged disruption of the party’s Ogun East Senatorial District campaign flag-off and an attack on its campaign train at Ososa, Odogbolu Local Government Area.

Tella also called on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged attack, particularly the reported use of firearms, vandalism of vehicles and injuries sustained by members of the party.

He further appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to consider deploying a special investigation team to Ogun State to unravel what transpired during the incident.

He, however, alleged that the party encountered resistance at Idowa, where it had earlier obtained approval to use a community venue for its campaign.

Tella said the PDP had notified the Dagburewe of Idowa of its intention to hold the campaign at the community on September 16 and was directed to the an administrator, who was responsible for the venue.

The party chairman said the request was granted approval for the use of the venue and provided the community’s account details into which the party paid the required ₦170,000.

ALSO READ: Tinubu orders full probe into 37 miners’ death in NSCDC custody

“We have the payment receipt available with us. However, the traditional of the town allegedly stopped the event a few hours before it was scheduled to commence.

He said the development forced the PDP to seek an alternative venue and subsequently move its campaign activities towards Odogbolu.

Tella said the campaign train passed through Idowa, where he received what he described as a warm reception from residents at the market, and was allegedly attacked by hoodlums who blocked the campaign convoy.

,
“On getting to Ososa, the last batches of vehicles in the train were attacked with gunshots, stones and other weapons. Our people were able to escape,” he alleged.

He said several vehicles were vandalised during the incident, while a number of party members sustained injuries.

Tella also alleged that gunshots were fired at vehicles in the convoy, with one vehicle belonging to a party candidate reportedly sustaining damage to its alloy rim after its tyre was deflated.

He said photographs and videos of the damaged vehicles were available and urged the police investigation to establish the nature of the firearms allegedly used during the incident.