PDP demands probe of alleged attack on campaign train in Ogun

As of Friday, April 18, 2025, the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally demanded a thorough and impartial investigation by the Nigeria Police Force into what it describes as a violent attack on its campaign train in Ososa, Odogbolu Local Government Area.

State PDP Chairman Dr. Abayomi Tella made the demand during a press briefing in Abeokuta on Thursday. He accused unknown assailants of firing gunshots and hurling stones at the last batch of vehicles in the convoy on Wednesday, as the party flagged off its Ogun East campaign. Tella said the attack left several vehicles damaged and multiple party members injured.

“I urge the Inspector-General of Police to deploy a special investigation team to Ogun State. We need to know the type of firearm used – it penetrated an alloy rim after deflating the tyre,” Tella said, referring to a vehicle belonging to Hon. Agbolade, the party’s candidate for the affected constituency. He claimed photographs and videos of the damage are available.

Tella further alleged that the attack was reported at Idowa Police Division and Igbeba Area Command, but expressed concern that some PDP members – the supposed victims – had been arrested instead of the attackers. “Between five and six of our members remain in police custody. Others are being sought. This is deeply troubling,” he said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, through its Publicity Secretary Olufemi Nuberu, condemned what he described as sporadic shooting during the incident. Nuberu alleged security personnel attached to PDP governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu were responsible, and urged the Inspector-General to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable.

Tella countered that the APC was trying to divert attention from the real issue. He said the PDP had obtained approval and paid ₦170,000 to use a community venue in Idowa, but was stopped hours before the event, forcing a last-minute relocation to Odogbolu. “We have the payment receipt,” he insisted.

The PDP chairman maintained the party remained committed to peaceful political engagement, but warned of “systematic oppression” by the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections. “We will not be intimidated. The PDP is too united to be destabilised,” he added.

As of press time, the Ogun State Police Command had not issued an official statement. Police Public Relations Officer Omolola Odutola did not respond to calls or messages. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, commenting on the case, described the arrest of alleged victims as “a disturbing pattern that erodes public trust in law enforcement.” He called on the IGP to personally intervene.

Local residents in Ososa said the campaign rally had drawn a large crowd but turned chaotic when stones and gunshots rang out. Witnesses, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the convoy had been passing through the area peacefully before the violence erupted. Some blamed tensions between PDP and APC supporters in the historically volatile constituency.

The incident has drawn attention to rising political tensions in Ogun State as parties gear up for the 2027 elections. Political analyst Dr. Kehinde Ogunyemi noted that such attacks, if uninvestigated, could signal a troubling precedent. “When victims are arrested and perpetrators walk free, it incentivises further violence,” he said.

Tella reiterated that the PDP would continue to pursue peaceful political participation and urged the public to be aware of what he called “the ruling party’s game plan to victimise the opposition.” He called on the IGP to act with conscience and ensure a transparent probe.

The Ogun State PDP has promised to release additional evidence, including the receipt for venue payment and video footage of the damaged vehicles, in the coming days. It has also vowed to take the matter to the National Human Rights Commission if the police fail to act impartially.

As the investigation remains pending, political stakeholders in the state are watching closely. Many hope the incident does not escalate into a broader breakdown of law and order ahead of the 2027 polls.