Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour petitions Lagos police over threats by NURTW chairman, condemning political intimidation ahead of 2027 elections

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour petition to the Lagos State Police Command accuses Mustapha Adekunle, chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos, of issuing threats against opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

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The petition, dated 8 October 2025 and filed by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, describes Adekunle’s statements as “chilling” and capable of inciting violence.

A viral video from 25 September allegedly shows Adekunle warning Lagos residents against supporting any candidate opposing President Bola Tinubu.

Rhodes-Vivour’s legal team calls the remarks criminal intimidation and a threat to life, urging police to act decisively.

In response, Adekunle has denied making any inciting comments and said his words were misconstrued. He also complied with a summons from the Department of State Services.

The ADC governorship candidate, who ran in 2023 under the Labour Party, said on social media that the petition was filed to establish a lawful record against political intimidation.

“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,” Rhodes-Vivour said.

He accused the Lagos APC-led government of relying on “state-backed gangs” to suppress opposition, adding:

“Violence is the last refuge of incompetence. We are the many and they are the few.”

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The petition and the ensuing political tension underscore rising concerns over election-related violence and freedom of political expression in Lagos as the 2027 polls approach.