Lagos NURTW Chairman Threatens To Punish Anyone Who Refuses To Vote APC In 2027, Faces DSS Grilling Over Threat
Lagos NURTW Chairman Threatens To Punish Anyone Who Refuses To Vote APC In 2027, Faces DSS Grilling Over Threat
The Lagos State chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, has come under intense criticism following a viral video in which he threatened that anyone who refuses to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections would be punished.
The remarks, made during a union meeting, quickly spread across social media and drew condemnation from civil society groups, opposition parties, and concerned residents, who described the statement as voter intimidation and an affront to democratic rights.
In response to the public outcry, the Department of State Services (DSS) invited Sego for questioning. He has since denied issuing threats, claiming his words were misinterpreted and alleging that political rivals within the union deliberately twisted his statements to incite backlash against him.
Despite his denial, the footage remains in circulation, and pressure continues to mount on security agencies to act decisively.
The incident has revived concerns about electoral violence and intimidation in Lagos State, especially considering the pivotal role the state plays in Nigeria’s political landscape. Civil society organizations have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to guarantee the protection of voters’ rights ahead of the 2027 polls.
Observers also recall similar controversies during the 2023 elections, when suspected political thugs reportedly disrupted voting in some areas of Lagos and intimidated voters perceived to be against the ruling party. This has fueled fears that entrenched patterns of coercion may resurface in 2027.
The DSS is expected to continue its investigation to determine whether Sego’s comments amount to incitement and voter suppression. Stakeholders are urging INEC, law enforcement agencies, and political parties to distance themselves from threats and ensure a free and fair electoral process.
With Lagos being the most populous state in Nigeria and a key battleground for political dominance, the handling of this case may set the tone for how voter intimidation is addressed ahead of the 2027 elections.
