Obidient Movement Demands Arrest Of Lagos NURTW Chair Over Election Threat Video

The Obidient movement has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Lagos State National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) chairman, Adekunle Mustapha, popularly known as Sego, over a viral video in which he allegedly threatened voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

In the video, Mustapha appeared to warn that anyone who refused to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election would be dealt with. The remarks, delivered in Yoruba, sparked outrage across social media and renewed fears of political violence in Lagos.

Reacting to the video, the national coordinator of the Obidient movement, Yunusa Tanko, condemned the statement, recalling the violent attacks that marred the 2023 general elections in Lagos. He alleged that NURTW members were used to intimidate and assault voters, especially supporters of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.

Tanko described Mustapha’s comments as a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy and accused the APC of fostering a climate of fear to maintain control. He said the ruling party’s resort to intimidation showed it could not win elections through transparent and credible means.

The movement urged President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and all security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to act swiftly against Mustapha and others linked to politically motivated violence. It also called for the dismantling of what it described as the NURTW’s long-standing use as a political tool for intimidation and manipulation.

The statement further appealed to the international community to take note of the growing threats to peace and human rights in Nigeria, warning that if authorities failed to act, citizens might resort to self-protection, which could lead to social unrest.

Following the public backlash, the DSS invited Mustapha for questioning. He was later released on bail and issued a statement claiming his words had been misunderstood. Mustapha said he was addressing union members and had no intention of threatening any political group or voter.

Despite his clarification, the Obidient movement insists that such rhetoric fuels voter intimidation and undermines free and fair elections, demanding that justice be pursued to prevent a repeat of past violence.