Abuja: Workers of various trade unions in Lagos State, under the aegis of Working People United (WoPU), inaugurated a support group on Wednesday for President Bola Tinubu and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat ahead of the 2027 elections. The event, held at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television (LTV), Ikeja, was attended by thousands of workers from both formal and informal sectors, including members of transport unions.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, and other registered trade unions participated in the inauguration. The workers expressed their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid and Hamzat’s candidacy, emphasizing the necessity for good governance and development.
Prince Akporeha Williams, the National Coordinator-General of WoPU, stated that the turnout demonstrated strong support for Tinubu. Williams praised Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s development and expressed optimism about the country’s future under his continued leadership. He noted Tinubu’s approval of a new national minimum wage and other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
WoPU is described as a national grassroots movement aiming to give working people a stronger voice in governance and public affairs. Williams explained that the movement is committed to mobilizing workers across Lagos and supporting policies and political leaders capable of delivering good governance. He emphasized the importance of workers not only demanding accountability but also supporting leaders who can deliver positive results.
Williams highlighted WoPU’s representation of workers across various sectors, including artisans, farmers, traders, transporters, and professionals. He stated that the Lagos inauguration would bolster the movement’s grassroots structures and encourage workers to participate actively in the political process.
Prince Billy Gillis-Harry, National Coordinator of Operations, Organisation, and Programme of WoPU, underscored the movement’s commitment to improving Nigeria. He described WoPU as a collective of like-minded professionals, artisans, and workers, aiming to change the country’s development trajectory.
Mrs. Funmi Sessi, Lagos State Coordinator of WoPU, urged workers to engage in politics to influence policies affecting the working class. She emphasized WoPU’s role as a support group for mobilizing workers for Tinubu and Hamzat’s electoral bids. Sessi called for active political participation from workers to ensure their interests are reflected in government policies.
Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle (Sego), State NURTW Chairman, expressed the union’s support for Tinubu’s re-election, citing his administration’s infrastructure development achievements. Adekunle’s deputy, Alhaji Shittu Ganiyu, delivered this message on his behalf.
Mr. Adedamola Kasunmu, Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, praised the workers’ turnout and described the collaboration with WoPU as a promising initiative contributing to national development.