The Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos during the 2023 general election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), has reacted strongly to a trending video showing leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State allegedly directing their members not to associate with opposition parties.
In the viral video, filmed in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area, a union leader was seen scolding members who reportedly worked with opposition politicians. He openly declared that the union’s loyalty belongs to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and described every other political party in Lagos as “counterfeit.”
“APC is our party in Lagos State. Any other party is counterfeit. Whether you like it or not, we don’t joke with APC in this state. What happened in 2023 will not repeat itself in 2027. Anybody who misbehaves will be suspended and tormented in their community,” the union leader said.
Another official in the footage echoed the same stance, stressing that NURTW members cannot work against APC because “it is the APC that puts food on their tables.”
Reacting to the development, Rhodes-Vivour said the threats came after he held a successful political gathering in Ajegunle, which, according to him, unsettled the ruling party and its allies.
Taking to his verified handle, GRV condemned the directives of the union leaders, describing them as attempts to intimidate, stifle opposition, and weaponize violence in Lagos politics.
“Violence is the last refuge of incompetence. The DSS is no doubt aware of these threats by the NURTW to attack, maim, intimidate, and disrupt opposition gatherings. This is a direct attempt to undermine democracy,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour accused the APC and its allies of using “fear and intimidation” instead of delivering good governance, pointing out that while ordinary Nigerians suffer, children of the political elite live abroad enjoying better systems.
He maintained that he and his supporters would not be intimidated, warning that no group holds the monopoly of violence.
This face-off has further heightened political tension in Lagos ahead of the 2027 elections
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