Obidient movement condemns NURTW chairman’s threat, demands arrest over election remarks

The Obidient Movement has raised concerns over a viral video showing Adekunle Mustapha, popularly known as Sego, the Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), allegedly threatening voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In the video, Sego was heard speaking in Yoruba, warning that anyone who votes against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming election would “be dealt with.” His comments have sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, particularly members of the Obidient Movement, who view the remarks as a dangerous sign of potential election violence.

“Anybody who makes mistakes in 2027 will be dealt with. Let them know that the APC is the party you’ll vote for. Anybody who refuses to do so will meet us,” Sego said in the video.

Reacting to the clip, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, condemned Sego’s remarks and urged authorities to take immediate action. Tanko recalled that similar threats and acts of violence occurred during the 2023 elections in Lagos, especially against supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate.

According to him, members of the NURTW and political thugs allegedly attacked voters during the 2023 elections, particularly in areas where Peter Obi enjoyed massive support. “We remember with sadness the violence unleashed by these same NURTW members and other thugs in 2023. Many of our supporters were beaten, injured, and even killed just for exercising their right to vote,” Tanko said.

In a statement released on Friday, the Obidient Movement accused the ruling APC of using intimidation tactics to suppress voters and retain power. The group said the party had resorted to threats and violence because it had failed to deliver good governance that could win the people’s trust.

“The APC realises it cannot win free and fair elections due to its failure to deliver good governance,” the statement read. “What we are seeing now is a continuation of the same old pattern using fear to control the electorate.”

The group also demanded that President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and security agencies immediately arrest and prosecute Mustapha for his remarks, which they described as incitement to violence.

“The NURTW is registered as a trade union, but it has for years been used as a tool of intimidation, violence, and political manipulation,” Tanko said. “We are calling on President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Police, DSS, and the Military to act now. This cannot continue. Lagosians and Nigerians must be free to vote for whoever they choose without fear.”

Tanko further appealed to the international community to pay attention to the situation in Nigeria, warning that continued silence could lead to unrest. “If the government fails to protect its citizens, people may be forced to defend themselves, and that could lead to anarchy,” he cautioned.

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Following public outrage, the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly invited Mustapha for questioning. He was later released on bail after making a statement to security officials.

In response to the controversy, Mustapha denied threatening anyone, insisting that his words were taken out of context. He said his comments were directed only to union members and not the general public. “This afternoon, I was invited by the DSS over false allegations that I insulted some groups while addressing our members,” he said in a statement after his release.

“These rumours are baseless. I have always been a man of peace, and my messages are directed only to our members. Everyone has the right to associate freely and choose their affiliations, and I fully respect that.”

He also claimed that some people were trying to use the situation to discredit him and the NURTW in Lagos. “This is clearly an attempt to destabilise me and the NURTW. I remain committed to peace, unity, and the progress of our organisation,” he added.

Mustapha urged media outlets and bloggers to be fair in their reporting and to verify information before publishing. “I appreciate online bloggers for informing the public, but I strongly warn you not to be biased. Verify information before posting about me or the NURTW,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement has maintained its call for accountability, insisting that such statements cannot be ignored, especially given Nigeria’s fragile democracy and history of electoral violence. The group said the safety of voters must be a priority as the 2027 elections draw closer.

Analysts fear that statements like Sego’s could further heighten tensions in Lagos, where political rivalry often spills into violence. Civil society groups have also urged security agencies to act swiftly, saying allowing threats to go unchecked would embolden others.

For many Nigerians, the controversy is a reminder of the need to strengthen electoral security and ensure that every citizen can vote freely. As one Lagos resident put it, “We just want to vote without fear. Elections should not be a war.”

While Mustapha insists his words were misunderstood, the Obidient Movement is not convinced. The group has vowed to continue pushing for justice and accountability, saying the fight for free and fair elections must continue.

As the dust settles, the incident has reignited debate about the role of transport unions in Nigerian politics and the urgent need for reform. With 2027 still two years away, observers warn that how the government handles this case could set the tone for the next election season.