The Working People United (WoPU) has strongly condemned a directive allegedly issued by some leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) instructing affiliate unions to boycott the inauguration of WoPU’s Lagos State Chapter.
WoPU is a grassroots movement in Nigeria that aims to empower working people across the country. It is a civic movement led by everyday workers, professionals, and communities, building a nationwide register of citizens ready to stand for good governance, economic stability, and real representation.
It also connects workers across every part of Nigeria into a single, powerful civic voice, regardless of their sector of work. The movement is built on three pillars that matter to every Nigerian: transparency in leadership, policies that put workers first, and a movement that is built on the strength and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.
In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Prince Akporeha Williams, National Coordinator General, and Comrade Oladapo Sunday Moses, General Secretary, WoPU described the directive as “dictatorial, anti-democratic, and a violation of Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and international labour conventions.”
WoPU argued that the NLC’s directive infringes on the constitutional right of Nigerian workers to freedom of association, as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to freely assemble and join any association of their choice.
The group also cited ILO Conventions 87 and 98, ratified by Nigeria, which protect workers’ rights to organize and prohibit discrimination against union membership.
“No organization, no matter how powerful, has the right to tell Nigerian workers which associations they can join. WoPU is a legitimate movement of working people, and we will continue to mobilize workers across Nigeria to exercise their fundamental rights,” the statement read.
WoPU emphasized that it is a duly registered support group recognized by Nigerian law since October 2025, representing over 70 million working Nigerians across formal and informal sectors. The group insisted it is not a “parallel organization” to the NLC but a broad-based movement advocating good governance and supporting the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The organization accused some NLC leaders of attempting to coerce workers into supporting only the Labour Party, describing such actions as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Call to Action
WoPU demanded that the NLC:
Withdraw the directive immediately.
Respect Section 40 of the Constitution and Nigeria’s obligations under ILO conventions.
Issue a public apology to WoPU and its members.
The group also called on Nigerian workers to reject anti-democratic directives and exercise their constitutional rights without fear of intimidation.
WoPU expressed solidarity with its Lagos Chapter Chairperson, Comrade Funmi Sessi, warning that any attempt to intimidate her or other members would be resisted nationwide. It urged the DSS, Attorney General, Minister of Labour and Employment, and other security agencies to protect workers from harassment.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to unity, productivity, and progress, declaring:
“We shall not be silenced by intimidation. The NLC’s directive is an affront to the Nigerian Constitution and international labour standards. Nigerian workers must be free to associate with any organization of their choice,” WoPU stated.
