Lagos TUC faces leadership dispute
The Lagos State Council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) is facing a leadership dispute following disagreements over the conduct and outcome of its recent delegates’ conference. Addressing
The Lagos State Council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) is facing a leadership dispute following disagreements over the conduct and outcome of its recent delegates’ conference.
Addressing journalists in Lagos, the council’s Public Relations Officer, Comrade Kabiawu Gbolahan, described the situation as a serious internal challenge, saying it goes beyond a contest for positions.
He said the dispute centres on differing views regarding the role of the TUC National Secretariat in the process leading to the conference and its aftermath.
Read Also: Nigeria to showcase maritime potential at Mombasa conference
According to him, the National Secretariat had earlier approved the Lagos State Delegates’ Conference and released guidelines for the exercise.
Gbolahan said a conference was subsequently held in Yaba under the supervision of a caretaker committee, with participation from affiliate unions and other stakeholders.
He added that the exercise produced an executive council led by Comrade Aladetan Abiodun Emmanuel, which he said reflects the position of a section of members in the state.
However, he noted that there are opposing claims regarding the legitimacy of the process and the outcome, with another group recognising a different leadership.
He expressed concern that the disagreement, if not resolved, could affect cohesion within the union.
TUC National President, Festus Osifo, said the conduct of elections in state councils is guided by the organisation’s constitution.
“Our process and constitution in TUC specify that the Secretary-General is responsible for conducting elections in all state councils, and Lagos State is no exception,” he said.
Osifo added that membership status and eligibility to contest are determined by compliance with union rules, including financial obligations to affiliate unions.
He maintained that the national body recognises a duly elected leadership for the Lagos State council and described the matter as resolved in line with the union’s procedures.
