The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos, Mustapha Sego, has confirmed that he honoured an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS) following allegations that he incited voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The controversy stems from a viral video in which Sego, while addressing union members, was alleged to have warned Lagos residents that a repeat of events from the 2023 elections would not be tolerated in 2027. In the clip, he was quoted as saying in Yoruba: “Anybody who makes any mistakes in 2027 will be dealt with. Let them know that the All Progressives Congress is the party you’ll vote for. Anybody who refuses to do so will meet us.”
The remarks sparked widespread criticism and accusations that the union leader was attempting to intimidate voters.
However, Sego has strongly denied the allegations, insisting that his comments were misinterpreted. In a follow-up disclaimer video, he acknowledged being questioned by the DSS but dismissed the accusations as “false and 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 said.
The NURTW boss further claimed that the controversy was instigated by rival union interests seeking to discredit him and weaken the association’s leadership in Lagos.
“There is always an enemy in every job, and we know where this is coming from. This is clearly an attempt to destabilize me and the NURTW in Lagos State,” he added.
The DSS has yet to issue an official statement regarding the meeting.