By Ismaeel Aleem
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, have lodged a formal petition with the Lagos State Police Command, accusing National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Chairman Mustapha Adekunle known as Sego of issuing threats of violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The petition, drafted by Inibehe Effiong Chambers and submitted on Thursday, stems from a viral video circulating online, purportedly recorded on 25 September 2025.
In it, Adekunle, the Lagos State Council Chairman of the NURTW, allegedly warns union members to back the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 polls or face repercussions.
He is quoted as declaring that “what happened in 2023 would not be allowed to repeat itself,” a veiled reference to past electoral tensions.
“Our clients’ attention has been drawn to the egregious actions of some members of the NURTW, particularly Mr Mustapha Adekunle (also known as Sego),” the petition states.
“In a viral video… Mr Sego is heard issuing direct threats to anyone unwilling to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2027 presidential election.”
Although delivered largely in Yoruba with English interjections, the translated content “conveys chilling meanings and clear threats of violence,” it adds.
The footage prompted the State Security Service (SSS) to summon Adekunle for questioning. In a statement on X on yesterday, Rhodes-Vivour justified the petition as a precautionary measure.
“Earlier today, the ADC submitted our petition to the police against Mustapha Adekunle of the NURTW.
We did this for public record, so that in future it will not be said that we did not pursue civilised recourse to their aggression and intimidation,” he wrote.
Rhodes-Vivour lambasted the APC-led Lagos government for perpetuating a culture of intimidation to quash dissent, rather than fostering effective governance.
“For over 24 years, the president and his Lagos APC allies have controlled this state. After more than two decades in power, they have no credible record of achievement to run on.
Hence, they resort to mobilising paid or coerced gangs to stifle opposition, while their families continue to send their children abroad to enjoy the benefits of good governance elsewhere.”
He branded such tactics “the last refuge of incompetence” and a “thugocracy,” vowing that Nigerians would rise against it.
“Violence is the last refuge of incompetence. This thugocracy must not stand. We are the many, and they are the few. In due course, Nigerians will demonstrate that we are not cowards.”
