Labour Activist Blasts WOPU, Rejects Tinubu Second-Term Endorsement of Nigerian Workers

 

LAGOS, Nigeria — Labour activist Kunle Wizeman Ajayi has strongly criticised the newly formed Working Peoples United (WOPU), dismissing the coalition as an organisation that does not represent the interests of Nigerian workers and alleging that its primary objective is to promote President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

In a statement made available to Shemariah Media through its correspondent, AyoDaReporter, Ajayi described the coalition as “dead on arrival,” insisting that no credible labour movement could claim to speak for Nigerian workers while endorsing the current administration amid worsening economic conditions.

His remarks come at a time when labour issues remain at the forefront of national discourse, with many Nigerians expressing concerns over the rising cost of living despite the implementation of the new national minimum wage.

Ajayi Questions WOPU’s Credibility

According to the activist, reports that WOPU has declared support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid do not reflect the realities facing millions of Nigerian workers.

Ajayi alleged that the coalition was formed primarily to improve the public image of the Federal Government and what he described as the administration’s anti-worker policies.

He particularly criticised the involvement of former President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Williams Akporeha, who reportedly heads the coalition.

Describing WOPU as a “coalition of labour bureaucrats” rather than genuine workers, Ajayi argued that its leadership does not represent the aspirations of the average Nigerian employee struggling with economic hardship.

Rising Cost of Living

The activist maintained that Nigerian workers are currently experiencing one of the most difficult economic periods in recent history.

He pointed to the increasing cost of transportation, electricity, food, healthcare, education, accommodation and communication as evidence that workers’ purchasing power has continued to decline.

According to him, the implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage has not translated into meaningful economic relief for many workers because of inflation and the soaring prices of goods and services.

Ajayi argued that under such conditions, any organisation claiming that workers overwhelmingly support another presidential term for the current administration risks losing credibility among ordinary Nigerians.

Allegations Against Labour Leadership

Ajayi also accused some labour leaders of abandoning the interests of workers in favour of political and personal gains.

He alleged that sections of the organised labour movement have become increasingly disconnected from the struggles of workers and are more interested in maintaining relationships with those in power than advocating for improved welfare.

The activist further claimed that internal divisions and compromised leadership have weakened labour’s ability to negotiate effectively on behalf of Nigerian workers during periods of economic hardship.

While making these allegations, Ajayi did not provide documentary evidence to support the claims.

Criticism of WOPU Launch

Ajayi also questioned the circumstances surrounding WOPU’s inauguration, noting that its maiden summit reportedly took place alongside officials of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, with the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, serving as Guest of Honour.

According to him, the event reinforced his belief that the coalition was created to advance political interests rather than defend workers’ rights.

He further alleged that some of those presented as workers during the event were not genuine representatives of organised labour, a claim that has not been independently verified by Shemariah Media.

Call for Vigilance

The labour activist called on trade unions and workers across the country to remain vigilant against what he described as attempts to politicise the labour movement.

He urged union members to continue demanding policies that improve workers’ welfare and protect the independence of organised labour.

Ajayi also encouraged labour leaders to remain accountable to their members and resist external influences capable of undermining the credibility of the movement.