The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has raised concerns over allegations that commercial motorists in Oyo State are being compelled to purchase and display campaign stickers bearing the name of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi, and other political figures, describing the reported practice as a threat to democratic freedom and the political independence of transport workers.
The organisation accused the leadership of the Park Management System (PMS) of allegedly subjecting commercial drivers and other transport operators to intimidation, financial pressure and political coercion through the compulsory sale of campaign materials.
SSACO’s position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, who called on the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure that commercial motorists were not compelled to finance or promote political campaigns against their wishes.
According to the organisation, information available to it suggested that commercial minibus operators, popularly known as micra drivers, tricycle riders, taxi operators and interstate bus drivers were allegedly being pressured to purchase campaign stickers and posters reportedly priced at ₦15,000.
SSACO further alleged that motorists who declined to purchase or display the materials were threatened with an additional ₦5,000 penalty, a development it described as an unacceptable attempt to impose political advertising on citizens through financial pressure.
The organisation maintained that the alleged practice, if established, would undermine the principles of political freedom and voluntary participation that underpin democratic governance.
It argued that commercial transport operators, like other citizens, should be free to determine which political parties and candidates they support without intimidation, compulsory payments or threats of sanctions.
Ibadan Transport Locations Identified
SSACO identified several locations within Ibadan metropolis where the alleged practice was reportedly taking place, including New Garage, Iwo Road, Ojoo, Gbagi, Challenge and Mokola.
The organisation expressed concern that commercial drivers operating from these transport hubs could be exposed to undue pressure if the allegations were not addressed promptly.
It argued that the transport sector should serve as an important part of the state’s economic and social infrastructure rather than becoming a channel through which political interests are imposed on workers struggling to earn a living.
According to SSACO, commercial motorists already contend with the daily costs of operating their vehicles, including fuel, maintenance, levies and other business expenses. It therefore questioned the justification for imposing additional payments allegedly connected to political campaign materials.
The organisation challenged the PMS leadership to explain the circumstances surrounding the reported sales and clarify whether any official policy or directive authorised the alleged compulsory purchase of stickers and posters.
It insisted that no transport association or management structure should use its position to dictate the political preferences of its members or impose financial obligations designed to promote particular political candidates.
Concerns Over Alleged Threats and Financial Penalties
SSACO described the reported threat of an additional ₦5,000 penalty for motorists who refused to purchase or display the campaign materials as particularly troubling.
The organisation argued that the threat of financial sanctions could create an atmosphere in which transport workers might feel compelled to comply with political demands, irrespective of their personal convictions.
It maintained that political campaigns should be conducted through persuasion, public engagement and the presentation of credible policy proposals rather than through practices that allegedly place economic pressure on citizens.
SSACO also warned that the reported imposition, if substantiated, could create the impression that support for a political candidate was a condition for operating within certain transport locations.
The organisation said such a situation would be inconsistent with the principles of political pluralism and freedom of association, which allow citizens to support different candidates and parties without fear of discrimination or retaliation.
It called on the PMS leadership to publicly clarify its position and ensure that no motorist was threatened, penalised or subjected to unfair treatment for refusing to purchase or display campaign materials.
Polling Unit Data Collection Raises Further Questions
Beyond the allegations concerning campaign stickers and posters, SSACO expressed concern over reports that efforts were being made to compile the polling-unit details of individual commercial drivers ahead of political campaigns and the 2027 general elections.
The organisation questioned the purpose of the alleged data collection and demanded clarification regarding how the information was being obtained, maintained and intended to be used.
It warned that personal electoral information should not be used as a tool for political surveillance, intimidation or manipulation.
SSACO argued that any initiative involving the collection of voters’ information should have a legitimate and transparent purpose, with appropriate safeguards against misuse.
The organisation stressed that commercial motorists should not be made to feel that their voting preferences, political affiliations or willingness to support a particular candidate were being monitored by individuals or groups exercising influence over their livelihoods.
It called for transparency concerning the reported exercise, insisting that any attempt to use such information to pressure voters or interfere with their electoral choices would be unacceptable.
However, the organisation’s allegations concerning the collection of polling-unit information and the intended use of such data require clarification from those implicated.
SSACO Reaffirms Motorists’ Political Rights
SSACO maintained that commercial drivers, tricycle operators, taxi drivers and interstate transport workers enjoy the same fundamental political rights as other citizens, including the freedom to make independent political choices and participate in the electoral process without coercion.
It argued that membership of a transport association or reliance on a particular motor park for commercial activities should not be interpreted as consent to support a political party or candidate.
According to the organisation, political loyalty cannot legitimately be imposed through threats, financial penalties or the compulsory purchase of campaign materials.
It therefore urged the PMS leadership to dissociate itself from any practice capable of undermining the reputation of the transport sector or creating unnecessary tension among commercial operators ahead of the 2027 elections.
SSACO also called for measures to ensure that motorists could continue their businesses without being subjected to political pressure or unfair treatment based on their personal preferences.
The organisation emphasised that political campaigns should remain voluntary exercises in which candidates and their supporters seek public backing through engagement, persuasion and the presentation of policies capable of addressing citizens’ concerns.
Makinde, Relevant Authorities Urged to Intervene
The campaign organisation called on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and relevant authorities to address the allegations transparently and take appropriate steps to prevent the commercial transport sector from becoming an instrument of political coercion.
It maintained that the state government and the relevant transport authorities should establish the facts surrounding the reported imposition and ensure that any verified misconduct is addressed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
SSACO argued that a timely response would help protect the rights of transport workers, reassure the public and prevent the controversy from escalating into a wider political dispute.
It also urged the authorities to ensure that commercial motorists were not subjected to compulsory campaign payments, threats of penalties or other forms of pressure connected to their political choices.
The organisation said the approach adopted by the authorities would be important in demonstrating that political participation in Oyo State remains voluntary and that public institutions and transport management structures should not be used to compel citizens to support particular candidates.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, SSACO maintained that all political actors and relevant organisations have a responsibility to promote peaceful engagement and respect the rights of citizens.
Call for Free and Voluntary Political Participation
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful political engagement, SSACO insisted that commercial motorists must remain free to support any candidate or political party of their choice without fear of harassment, sanctions or financial exploitation.
The organisation argued that democratic competition derives its legitimacy from the freedom of citizens to make informed decisions rather than from the ability of political actors or affiliated groups to exert pressure on potential supporters.
It maintained that the reported controversy should serve as a reminder that political campaigns must respect individual liberty and that no citizen should be compelled to advertise a candidate or contribute financially to a political cause against their will.
SSACO further stressed that the credibility of the electoral process depends not only on the conduct of elections themselves but also on the political environment in which citizens form opinions, express preferences and decide whom to support.
The organisation therefore urged the PMS leadership to clarify the allegations, called on the state government and relevant authorities to investigate where necessary, and reiterated that transport workers should be allowed to carry out their lawful businesses without political intimidation.
As the 2027 elections approach, SSACO maintained that the right to choose a political candidate must remain a personal decision, free from compulsory payments, threats of sanctions or any form of coercion.
The allegations have yet to be independently established, and a response from the PMS leadership and the other parties implicated would be necessary to provide a complete account of the controversy.
