*accuses PMS leadership of intimidation, extortion, political coercion
By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has condemned the alleged imposition of campaign stickers bearing the name of APM candidate, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi and other political figures on commercial motorists in Oyo State, describing the practice as an affront to democratic freedom.
In a statement on Thursday, SSACO Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele accused the leadership of the Park Management System (PMS) of allegedly subjecting commercial drivers to intimidation and financial pressure through compulsory purchases of campaign materials.
The organisation said available intelligence indicated that commercial minibus operators, popularly known as micra drivers, tricycle riders, taxi operators and interstate bus drivers were being compelled to purchase campaign stickers and posters reportedly sold for N15,000.
It alleged that drivers who refused to buy or display the materials faced threats of an additional N5,000 fine, describing the reported practice as an attempt to force political advertising on citizens against their will.
SSACO identified New Garage, Iwo Road, Ojoo, Gbagi, Challenge and Mokola, among other locations within Ibadan metropolis, as areas where the alleged imposition was particularly prominent.
The organisation said the reported practice was unacceptable in a democratic society, stressing that commercial motorists should not be forced to advertise political candidates or finance campaigns they did not voluntarily support.
It challenged the PMS leadership to explain why transport workers should be subjected to compulsory payments and political pressure, insisting that no individual or group had the right to dictate the political preferences of motorists.
It also raised concerns over reports that efforts were being made to compile the polling units of individual drivers ahead of political campaigns and the 2027 general elections.
SSACO demanded clarification on the purpose of the alleged data collection, warning that any attempt to use such information to monitor, intimidate or manipulate voters would be unacceptable.
The organisation maintained that commercial drivers, tricycle operators and other transport workers possessed the same constitutional rights as other citizens to political choice, freedom of association and participation in the electoral process.
SSACO urged the PMS leadership to immediately dissociate itself from any practice capable of bringing the transport sector into disrepute and ensure that no motorist was penalised for refusing to purchase or display campaign materials.
While challenging Governor Seyi Makinde and relevant authorities to address the allegations transparently and prevent the commercial transport sector from becoming an instrument of political coercion ahead of the 2027 elections, the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement, insisting that motorists must remain free to support any candidate of their choice without fear of harassment, sanctions or financial exploitation.
