AUATON Leadership Dispute Intensifies on May Day

The leadership dispute within the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATON) intensified as acting president David Nosa Aigbornan reaffirmed his authority on May Day. Addressing journalists in Abuja, Aigbornan condemned misinformation and described attempts to destabilize the union as misguided.

This conflict arose after the voluntary resignation of former president Adedamola Adeniran on July 23, 2025, which was ratified by the union's central working committee. Aigbornan emphasized that the union remains a unified body governed by its constitution, despite attempts to undermine its structure.

He accused a faction led by Adeniran of engaging in undisclosed arrangements with app-based companies that could violate the union's autonomy and fiduciary standards. Aigbornan also highlighted economic challenges faced by app-based transport workers, including rising operational costs linked to fuel subsidy removal, and reiterated the union's commitment to protecting members' economic interests and promoting sustainable urban transport solutions.