The Southwest Zone of the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has distanced itself from the participation of one of its members, Alhaji Musa Muhammed (Maitakobi), in a recent courtesy visit by the Transporters for Tinubu/Shettima 2027 group to Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, the Southwest Chairman of RTEAN, Samuel Agbede, said Musa Muhammed’s actions did not reflect the position of the association, stressing that no individual has the authority to speak or act on behalf of RTEAN without the approval of its recognised leadership structures.

Agbede, however, reaffirmed the association’s support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima in 2027, noting that the endorsement had already been collectively adopted by members across the six Southwest states.

“Our concern is not opposition to the Tinubu administration. Rather, it is about ensuring that no individual appropriates the collective mandate of the association or presents personal actions as the official position of RTEAN without consultation and approval,” he said.

The chairman further revealed that Musa Muhammed is currently facing concerns raised by several zones of the association over issues bordering on accountability, transparency, and the management of assets and interventions received on behalf of RTEAN members.

According to him, questions have been raised regarding the handling of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses allocated to transport operators, as well as the management and distribution of Federal Government transport palliatives reportedly worth nearly N1 billion.

Agbede expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as inadequate consultation and stakeholder engagement on matters affecting the association, adding that the issues remain unresolved despite interventions by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

While commending the Federal Government for initiatives aimed at supporting transport operators, he called for greater transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in the implementation of intervention programmes.

He specifically referenced the proposed distribution of 10,000 electric tricycles, urging authorities to ensure that the programme is executed fairly and reaches its intended beneficiaries through verifiable processes.

Agbede maintained that RTEAN represents millions of transport workers, vehicle owners, logistics operators, and support personnel across the country, stressing that their interests must be protected through democratic and transparent leadership.

He therefore urged government agencies and public officials to engage only with recognised and duly constituted structures of transport associations on sector-related matters.

Reaffirming the association’s commitment to the Tinubu administration, Agbede disclosed that mobilisation efforts for the re-election of President Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima in 2027 had already commenced across its structures and would continue in the months ahead.