NLC Faces Internal Tension Over Pro-Tinubu Group

A crisis is developing within the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as its national leadership, under Chairman Joe Ajaero, has issued a directive prohibiting members from engaging with the pro-Tinubu support group, Working People United (WoPU), led by former NUPENG President Williams Akporeha. This directive followed the inauguration of WoPU's Lagos State chapter, attended by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and APC governorship candidate Obafemi Hamzat.

The NLC formally queried Lagos State Council Chairman Agnes Sessi for attending the event, accusing her of violating her oath of office and undermining the Congress's authority. The memo, dated August 11, 2026, and signed by Deputy General Secretary Benson Upah, highlighted concerns over Sessi's involvement with WoPU, which promotes President Tinubu's re-election.

Akporeha criticized the NLC's directive as a violation of workers' rights and the Nigerian Constitution, asserting that it distracts from the NLC's mandate to protect workers' welfare.