An Examination of the Effects of Politically Branded Vehicles on Road Users’ Safety in Ogbomoso, South Western Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effects of Politically Branded Vehicles (PBVs) on road user safety in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. PBVs, especially campaign convoys, have become increasingly visible during elections, yet their safety implications remain underexplored. The study adopted a survey design with 320 distributed questionnaires to the selected respondents, who consisted of private motorists, commercial drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrian road users. Findings reveal that PBV-related accidents are disproportionately concentrated in campaign seasons. As shown by chi-square analysis (χ² = 14.22, p < 0.001), 20.3% of respondents reported PBV-related accidents during campaigns, compared to only 4.3% outside campaigns. The risk of involvement was five times higher in campaign months (RR = 5.0). Logistic regression further showed that high exposure significantly predicted accident likelihood (OR = 4.5, p = 0.002), while driving experience reduced risk (OR = 0.93, p = 0.04). Thematic analysis reinforced these results, with 62.1% of respondents citing reckless convoy behaviour, 48.2% expressing fear and avoidance, and 40.9% calling for stricter regulation. The study concludes that PBVs amplify existing weaknesses in Nigeria’s road safety system, creating predictable and preventable risks. It recommends stricter enforcement, compulsory convoy driver training, public sensitisation, improved data monitoring, and stronger institutional accountability during campaign periods.