The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SACCO) has alleged that PMS leaders in Oyo State are forcing commercial drivers to purchase political campaign stickers.
SACCO: PMS leaders forcing campaign posters on motorists
It further alleged that the commercial drivers are faced with threat of fines for failure to comply.
The organisation condemned the compulsory sale of campaign stickers, allegedly bearing the name of Allied People’s Movement (APM) candidate, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi, and other political figures to commercial motorists in Oyo State.
SACCO, in a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, alleged that the leadership of the Park Management System (PMS) were transport workers and subjecting them to financial pressure to purchase and display political campaign materials against their wishes.
It was stated in the statement that commercial minibus operators, popularly known as micra drivers, tricycle riders, taxi operators and interstate bus drivers were allegedly being compelled to buy the stickers and posters at ₦15,000.
According to Oladele, motorists who refused to purchase or display the materials were allegedly threatened with an additional ₦5,000 fine.
SSACO further described the alleged practice as an infringement on democratic freedom, arguing that transport workers should not be forced to finance political campaigns or publicly demonstrate support for candidates they have not voluntarily chosen to support.
The organisation identified New Garage, Iwo Road, Ojoo, Gbagi, Challenge and Mokola, among other locations in Ibadan, as areas where the alleged imposition was particularly prominent.
It challenged the PMS leadership to explain why commercial motorists should be subjected to compulsory payments and political pressure, insisting that transport workers had the right to determine their political affiliations and preferences without intimidation.
The campaign organisation also expressed concern over reports that efforts were allegedly being made to compile the polling units of individual drivers ahead of political campaigns and the 2027 general election.
It called for clarification on the purpose of the alleged data collection, warning that any attempt to use such information to monitor, intimidate or manipulate voters would raise serious concerns about electoral freedom.
SACCO maintained that commercial drivers, tricycle operators and other transport workers were entitled to the same constitutional rights as other citizens, including freedom of association, political participation and the right to make independent electoral choices.
The organisation urged the PMS leadership to distance itself from any activity capable of bringing the transport sector into disrepute and ensure that no motorist was penalised for refusing to purchase or display political campaign materials.
It also called on Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, and relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and take appropriate steps to prevent the commercial transport sector from being used as an instrument of political coercion ahead of the 2027 general election.
SACCO stated that political engagement should remain peaceful and voluntary, stressing that motorists must be free to support candidates of their choice without fear of harassment, sanctions or financial exploitation.
The latest allegation was coming at the height of political activities and preparations towards the 2027 general election, raising questions about the importance of commercial transport operators and political mobilisation in the state.
Oyo State is the epic centre in South-West politics, as the state has, over the past weeks, witnessed heightened tension as political parties and governorship contenders engaged in allegations and counter-allegations.
