By Abiodun JIMOH
Working People United (WoPU) has rejected what it described as an alleged directive by some officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) asking leaders of affiliated unions to boycott the inauguration of the WoPU Lagos State Chapter.
The movement described the alleged directive as undemocratic and an attempt to restrict workers’ freedom of association and political participation.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator-General, Comrade Prince Akporeha Williams, and General Secretary, Comrade Oladapo Sunday Moses, WoPU said Nigerian workers have a constitutionally protected right to freely associate with organisations of their choice.
The organisation anchored its position on Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees the right of every person to assemble freely and associate with others, including belonging to a political party, trade union or other association for the protection of their interests.
WoPU also cited Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise and Convention No. 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining.
According to the organisation, Nigeria ratified both conventions on October 17, 1960, and they remain in force.
WoPU challenges alleged NLC directive
According to WoPU, a circular circulating on social media allegedly instructed presidents and general secretaries of NLC-affiliated unions to stay away from the inauguration of its Lagos State Chapter.
The movement described the reported directive as “dictatorial” and argued that individual workers should not be compelled to adopt a particular political affiliation or prevented from participating in an association of their choice.
WoPU said it is a duly registered support group and a broader movement comprising people from various sectors, including artisans, market men and women, professionals, and workers in both the formal and informal sectors.
The movement said it does not seek to replace or undermine the NLC or any established labour organisation.
“No organisation, no matter how powerful, has the right to tell Nigerian workers which associations they can join,” WoPU said, adding that workers should be free to participate in political and civic activities in accordance with their constitutional rights.
The organisation further alleged that some individuals within the labour movement had attempted to dictate the political preferences of workers, particularly in relation to the 2027 general elections.
WoPU declares support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election
WoPU reaffirmed its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, as well as candidates it described as progressive-minded.
The movement said its political position was a choice made by its members and should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine organised labour.
It also rejected what it described as efforts to compel Nigerian workers to support a particular political party or candidate.
According to WoPU, its membership cuts across organised labour and includes people from the formal and informal sectors who share an interest in good governance and political participation.
Legal framework cited by WoPU
WoPU referenced Section 40 of the Constitution, ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and the Trade Unions Act in advancing its position.
The organisation argued that workers have the right to establish or belong to associations of their choice and that no labour body should dictate the political affiliation of individual workers.
However, the legal framework governing labour organisations and political activities is subject to constitutional and statutory limitations.
The Trade Unions Act regulates trade unions and contains provisions governing their activities, including restrictions relating to the use of trade-union funds for political purposes.
WoPU nevertheless maintained that its activities as a political support movement should not be confused with the statutory functions of trade unions.
It described itself as a movement of working Nigerians seeking to promote good governance and support candidates who share its political outlook.
Call for respect for workers’ rights
WoPU called on the NLC to withdraw the alleged directive and respect the constitutional rights of workers to freedom of association.
The movement also urged labour leaders to avoid actions that could be interpreted as intimidation, coercion or interference with the individual political choices of workers.
It appealed to Nigerian workers to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and responsibly, while urging relevant authorities to protect citizens against harassment and intimidation.
WoPU expressed solidarity with its Lagos State Chapter Chairperson, Comrade Funmi Sessi, and said any attempt to intimidate or malign her because of her association with the movement would be challenged through lawful means.
The organisation said it would continue to promote what it described as the unity, productivity and progress of Nigerian working people.
“WoPU remains committed to the unity, productivity and progress of Nigerian working people. We shall not be silenced by intimidation,” the statement declared.
The movement urged Nigerians to remain responsible citizens and participate peacefully in the country’s democratic process.
