Nigeria Labour Congress queries Lagos chairman over pro-Tinubu group affiliation

This directive has caused tension, particularly after Agnes Sessi, the NLC Lagos State Council Chairman and Lagos State Coordinator for WoPU, participated in WoPU activities. The NLC national secretariat has queried Sessi, accusing her of disregarding its directive and violating her oath of office by associating with WoPU without consulting the congress leadership. WoPU's national leader, Williams Akporeha, the immediate past President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, rejected the NLC's directive, calling it an infringement on the constitutional right to free association, as guaranteed by Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution.

Akporeha argued that the NLC lacks the authority to prevent workers from joining political support organizations and accused NLC President Joe Ajaero of attempting to compel affiliates and workers to support the Labour Party and its preferred candidates for the 2027 elections. This dispute raises questions about the NLC's ability to regulate the political activities of its officials and members, especially as political alignments intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.