Tension as Lagos Council defies NLC directive not to attend Inauguration of Pro-Tinubu Group

…Queries state chairman…WoPU berates Congress stance on freedom of association By Victor Ahiuma-Young LAGOS — Tension is mounting within the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, over the inauguration of the Lagos State chapter of Working People United, WoPU, a pro-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu support group, following a directive by the national leadership of the Congress asking its affiliate unions not to attend the event. The development has also triggered a formal query to the Chairperson of the NLC Lagos State Council, Agnes Sessi, over her involvement in the inauguration. The national leadership accused her of promoting or supporting an organisation it described as a “parallel” workers’ organisation and of acting contrary to the rules and directives of the Congress.Despite the directive, the inauguration of WoPU’s Lagos chapter held with many affiliates in attendance, with WoPU insisting that workers and other Nigerians have a constitutional right to freely associate with organisations of their choice. WoPU has also rejected the NLC’s position as an attempt to restrict workers’ political choices. In a circular dated August 11, 2026 and addressed to presidents and general secretaries of all affiliate unions, the NLC instructed its affiliates under the heading, “DO NOT HONOUR THIS INVITATION,” to stay away from the inauguration until written clearance was obtained from the national leadership. The circular, signed by Benson Upah for the General Secretary, stated that the Congress had been alerted to a notice signed by Sessi inviting members to the inauguration of WoPU, which it said was “neither an affiliate of the Congress nor recognised by the leadership of the Congress.” The NLC further complained that Sessi had not consulted the leadership before becoming involved in the activities of the organisation. According to the circular, the Congress was concerned about “any attempt to promote a parallel workers’ organisation, regardless of the circumstances, particularly where such activities could undermine the structures and authority of the Congress or lay the foundation for its fragmentation.” The NLC said such conduct constituted “an affront to the leadership of Congress” and raised questions about Sessi’s oath of office and compliance with the established rules and regulations of the organisation.The Congress consequently directed affiliate unions not to honour the invitation or participate in the inauguration until an express written clearance was obtained from the national leadership. In a separate internal memorandum dated August 11 and addressed to Sessi, the DGS/HOD, Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, formally queried the Lagos State Council chairperson over her role in the planned inauguration. The memo stated: “Our attention has been drawn to a notice signed by you concerning the inauguration of an organisation known as Working People United (WoPU), a workers’ organisation that is not known to the Congress, scheduled to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12, 2026. “The organisation is neither an affiliate of the Congress nor known to the Congress, whose leadership you represent in Lagos State.” The NLC also accused Sessi of failing to inform or consult the Congress leadership regarding the organisation. “Your involvement in the activities of the organisation appears to be in violation of the oath of office you took as Chairperson of the Lagos State Council and raises serious concerns regarding your obligations to the Congress,” the memo stated.Sessi was subsequently asked to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against her for allegedly “betraying the oath of office,” “acting in contravention of the established rules, regulations and directives of the Congress,” “promoting or supporting a parallel organisation to the Congress,” and “undermining the authority and integrity of the Congress.”The query gave her 24 hours to respond. WoPU rejects NLC position Reacting to the NLC directive, WoPU accused the Congress of attempting to interfere with the constitutional rights of Nigerian workers to freedom of association. In a statement, the group said it “strongly condemns” the directive instructing affiliate unions to boycott the inauguration of its Lagos State chapter. WoPU said the directive was an affront to the rights of Nigerian workers and accused some individuals within the NLC hierarchy of becoming involved in partisan politics. The organisation stated: “WoPU rejects any attempt to dictate the political choices or associations of Nigerian workers.” It based its position principally on Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.Quoting the Constitution, WoPU said: “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or

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