PDP Demands Police Probe Into Ogun Campaign Convoy Attack

The Ogun State chapter of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has formally called on the Nigerian Police Force to launch a thorough investigation into what it describes as a politically motivated attack on its campaign convoy. The appeal, made on March 22, 2025, comes less than 48 hours after the incident in Ososa, Odogbolu Local Government Area, which left several party members injured and vehicles damaged.

Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta, PDP chairman Dr. Abayomi Tella demanded that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, deploy a special investigation team to Ogun State. “We want a probe that goes beyond surface-level arrests. The police must determine the type of firearm used to shoot at our candidate’s vehicle — a bullet that penetrated an alloy rim. That is not an ordinary weapon,” Tella said.

According to the party, the attack occurred on Wednesday during the flag-off of the PDP’s Ogun East campaign. The convoy had traveled peacefully through several local government areas before reaching Odogbolu. Tella alleged that a group of thugs ambushed the last vehicles in the convoy, firing gunshots and hurling stones. Multiple cars were vandalized, and several party members sustained injuries.

The PDP chairman stressed that the case had been reported at the Idowa Police Division and Igbeba Area Command, but expressed frustration that police officers had instead arrested five PDP members who were complainants. “The perpetrators remain at large. Our people are being treated as criminals when they are the victims,” he said. He called on the Inspector-General to intervene personally to ensure impartiality.

Tella praised IGP Disu as “an exemplary and conscientious leader” who would not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands. However, he warned that the attack fit a pattern of intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections. “If we cannot walk freely in Ogun State, then the police are failing. We stand with the IGP, but he must act decisively,” Tella added.

Exclusive context: rising political violence in Nigeria

This incident mirrors a broader trend of election-related violence in Nigeria, where campaign convoys have increasingly become targets. According to data from the National Human Rights Commission, at least 38 politically motivated attacks were recorded during the 2023 election cycle, with Ogun State among the hotspots. The PDP’s call for an IGP special team is unusual — it reflects a breakdown of trust in local police commands, which opposition parties often accuse of bias toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Notably, the attack took place in Ososa, the hometown of the APC deputy governorship candidate, Mrs. Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun. While the PDP did not directly blame the APC, Tella said the location raised serious questions. “Coincidence? Possibly. But the pattern is hard to ignore,” a political analyst based in Lagos told local media. “When violence occurs in the hometown of a ruling party candidate, it pressures the police to act fairly — or at least appear to.”

The PDP has also demanded that the police conduct ballistic analysis to trace the origin of the bullets. “We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for due process,” Tella said.

Reactions and next steps

As of this report, the Nigerian Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State had not issued an official statement. However, sources within the IGP’s office confirmed that the complaint has been received and is under review. “The Inspector-General takes all reports of political violence seriously. A decision on the special team will be communicated soon,” a police spokesperson said on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, the APC Ogun State chapter dismissed the PDP’s allegations as “baseless drama.” In a statement, APC publicity secretary Tunde Oladipo said, “The PDP is known for crying wolf. They should focus on building a strong campaign instead of making false accusations.”

The PDP chairman warned that if the police fail to act, the party will escalate the matter to international human rights organizations and the ECOWAS Court of Justice. “We have the right to peaceful campaigning. We will not be silenced by thugs in uniform or out of it,” Tella concluded.

Broader implications for Nigeria’s democracy

The incident has drawn attention from civil society groups. The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) called for “transparent and independent investigation” into all pre-election violence. “The 2027 elections are two years away, but the foundation for a free and fair process is being laid now. Impunity today will lead to chaos tomorrow,” said CDD director Dr. Idayat Hassan.

With Nigeria’s political temperature rising, the PDP’s demand for a federal probe sets a precedent. If granted, it could empower other opposition parties to seek similar interventions in disputed attacks. If denied, it may deepen the perception of partisanship within the police force.

The coming days will be critical. For now, all eyes are on IGP Disu as he weighs whether to dispatch a special team — and whether that team can deliver the “conscience-driven” investigation the PDP insists is necessary.