WOPU REJECTS ALLEGED NLC DIRECTIVE, DEFENDS WORKERS’ CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION •Movement Describes Reported Boycott Directive Against Lagos Inauguration as Undemocratic, Calls for Respect for Workers’ Rights

WOPU REJECTS ALLEGED NLC DIRECTIVE, DEFENDS WORKERS’ CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION

•Movement Describes Reported Boycott Directive Against Lagos Inauguration as Undemocratic, Calls for Respect for Workers’ Rights

LAGOS — August 12, 2026: 

Working People United (WoPU) has rejected what it described as an alleged directive by some officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) directing leaders of affiliated unions to boycott the inauguration of the WoPU Lagos State Chapter.

The movement described the reported directive as undemocratic and an unacceptable attempt to restrict the constitutional right of Nigerian workers to freely associate, participate in civic activities and make independent political choices.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator-General, Comrade Prince Akporeha Williams, and General Secretary, Comrade Oladapo Sunday Moses, WoPU said its position is anchored on Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees the right of citizens to assemble freely and associate with others, including through political parties, trade unions and other associations for the protection of their interests.

WoPU also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under ILO Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise and ILO Convention No. 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining, which the organisation said reinforce the principle of workers’ freedom of association.

WoPU Challenges Alleged NLC Directive

WoPU said 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 condemned the reported directive as “dictatorial” and argued that no individual or organisation should compel Nigerian workers to adopt a particular political affiliation or prevent them from participating in associations of their choice.

According to WoPU, the NLC is a federation of individual trade unions, each with its own structures and governing rules, and no individual within the labour movement should arrogate to himself or herself the power to determine the political choices of all Nigerian workers.

WoPU further stated that it does not seek to replace, undermine or operate as a parallel organisation to the NLC or any established labour institution.

Rather, it described itself as a broad movement comprising working people across the formal and informal sectors, including artisans, market men and women, professionals and other Nigerians who share its political and governance objectives.

Movement Reaffirms Support for Tinubu

WoPU also reaffirmed its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, alongside what it described as other progressive-minded candidates.

The movement maintained that its political position represents the choice of its members and should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine organised labour.

WoPU accused unnamed individuals within the labour movement of attempting to dictate the political preferences of Nigerian workers and insisted that workers should be allowed to make independent political choices.

Constitutional and International Framework

WoPU cited Section 40 of the Constitution, relevant provisions of the Trade Unions Act and Nigeria’s obligations under ILO Conventions 87 and 98 in support of its position.

The movement said these legal instruments recognise the importance of freedom of association and the right of workers to organise and participate in activities that advance their interests.

WoPU, however, acknowledged that labour organisations and trade-union activities remain subject to applicable constitutional and statutory provisions.

The organisation therefore called on the NLC to withdraw the alleged directive and refrain from any action that could be perceived as intimidation, coercion or interference with the lawful rights of individual workers.

Call for Respect for Workers’ Rights

WoPU urged Nigerian workers to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and responsibly while calling on relevant authorities to protect citizens against harassment or intimidation.

The movement also expressed solidarity with its Lagos State Chapter Chairperson, Comrade Funmi Sessi, and warned that any attempt to intimidate or malign her because of her association with WoPU would be challenged through lawful means.

WoPU said it remained committed to promoting what it described as the unity, productivity, welfare 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 concluded by urging Nigerians to remain responsible citizens and participate peacefully in the country’s democratic process.