Lagos TUC Accuses National Leadership of Imposing Parallel Leadership, Demands Respect for Election Outcome
The Lagos State Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has accused the union’s national leadership of undermining internal democracy and attempting to impose leadership on its state chapter, despite what it described as a validly conducted election.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the council said the ongoing crisis was not just a local disagreement but a broader challenge to democratic principles within Nigeria’s labour movement.
According to the group, the national secretariat initially kick-started preparations for the Lagos State Delegates’ Conference—issuing notices, approving delegates, and clearing candidates—before allegedly reversing course when it became clear the outcome might not favour its preferred candidates.
“Nothing exposes bad faith more than an umpire who changes the rules after the match has started,” the council said.
The council maintained that a legitimate delegates’ conference was eventually held in Yaba under a caretaker committee, with participation from over 15 affiliate unions. It added that security agencies and representatives of the Lagos State Government monitored the process.
At the end of the exercise, Comrade Aladetan Abiodun Emmanuel was elected chairman alongside other executive members.
However, the group alleged that a separate gathering was later organised by opposing interests, which it described as manipulated and lacking legitimacy.
“It was not a conference; it was a coronation. Candidates were anointed, not elected,” the statement read.
The Lagos TUC warned that allowing such parallel arrangements to stand could weaken democratic structures within labour unions nationwide, where election outcomes may be overturned arbitrarily.
The council also argued that the dispute goes beyond leadership struggles, stressing that it touches on the credibility of union governance itself.
“If delegates’ lists can be altered after publication and cleared candidates disqualified arbitrarily, then the constitution becomes meaningless,” it said.
Criticising what it called a contradiction within labour institutions, the group added that organisations created to defend democracy should not be seen undermining it internally.
“A union that suppresses democracy inside cannot credibly defend democracy outside,” it stated.
The council further noted that Lagos, being Nigeria’s economic centre, cannot afford instability within its labour structures, warning that such disputes could have wider national implications.
It insisted that there was no crisis after the Yaba election until, in its words, “external interference” attempted to challenge the outcome.
The council called on the national leadership of the TUC to recognise the result of the Yaba conference, withdraw support for any parallel structure, and respect the union’s constitution.
It also urged affiliate unions, civil society groups, and relevant authorities to avoid legitimising what it described as an unconstitutional process.
“To the workers of Lagos State, remain calm and united. Your mandate is legitimate,” the council said.
It concluded with a firm stance against imposed leadership, insisting that the will of workers must prevail.
