SSACO Raises Alarm Over Alleged Forced Sale Of Political Stickers To Oyo Drivers

-Campaign organisation alleges intimidation, ₦15,000 compulsory payments, threatens of fines

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has accused the leadership of the Park Management System (PMS) in Oyo State of allegedly compelling commercial motorists to purchase and display campaign stickers bearing the name of Bimbo Adekanmbi, the APM governorship candidate, and other political figures.

The organisation described the alleged practice as an infringement on the political freedom of transport workers and an attempt to use the commercial transport sector to advance political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement, SSACO Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, alleged that commercial drivers were being subjected to intimidation and financial pressure through the compulsory purchase of campaign stickers and posters.

According to the organisation, operators of commercial minibuses, popularly known as micras, tricycles, taxis and interstate buses were allegedly being asked to pay ₦15,000 for the campaign materials.

SSACO further alleged that motorists who declined to purchase or display the materials faced threats of an additional ₦5,000 fine.

It identified New Garage, Iwo Road, Ojoo, Gbagi, Challenge and Mokola, among other locations in Ibadan, as areas where the alleged practice was reportedly taking place.

The organisation condemned the alleged imposition, insisting that commercial motorists should not be forced to finance political campaigns or advertise candidates against their wishes.

It challenged the PMS leadership to explain the rationale behind the reported compulsory payments, stressing that transport workers had the right to determine their political affiliations and support candidates of their choice without intimidation or financial penalties.

SSACO also expressed concern over reports that efforts were allegedly being made to collect information on the polling units of individual drivers ahead of the forthcoming elections.

It called on the PMS leadership to clarify the purpose of the reported data collection, warning that any attempt to use such information to monitor, intimidate or influence voters would undermine democratic participation.

The campaign organisation maintained that commercial drivers, tricycle operators and other transport workers enjoyed the same constitutional rights as other citizens, including freedom of political choice, association and participation in the electoral process.

It urged the PMS leadership to 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 political campaign materials.

SSACO also called on 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 elections.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement, insisting that motorists must be allowed to support any candidate of their choice without fear of harassment, sanctions or financial exploitation.