Leadership crisis hits Lagos TUC over delegates’ conference

Lagos State Council of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of Nigeria is currently grappling with a leadership crisis following disagreements over the conduct and outcome of its recent delegates’ conference.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, the council’s Public Relations Officer, Kabiawu Gbolahan, described the situation as a significant internal dispute that extends beyond a struggle for positions.

He explained that the contention revolves around differing interpretations of the role played by the TUC National Secretariat in the lead-up to the conference and in its aftermath.

According to Gbolahan, the National Secretariat had initially authorised the Lagos State delegates’ conference and issued guidelines to govern the exercise.

He said the conference was later held in Yaba under the supervision of a caretaker committee, with participation from affiliate unions and other stakeholders.

The process, he noted, produced an executive council led by Aladetan Abiodun Emmanuel, which he said represents the position of a segment of members within the state council.

However, he acknowledged the existence of rival claims over the legitimacy of the exercise, with another faction backing a different leadership structure.
Gbolahan warned that the unresolved disagreement could undermine unity within the union if not properly addressed.

Meanwhile, the National President of the TUC, Festus Osifo, maintained that the organisation’s constitution clearly outlines the procedures for conducting elections in state councils.

“Our process and constitution in TUC specify that the Secretary-General is responsible for conducting elections in all state councils, and Lagos State is no exception,” he said.

Osifo further noted that eligibility to contest positions is determined by compliance with union regulations, including financial obligations to affiliate unions.

He insisted that the national leadership recognises a duly elected executive for the Lagos State council, adding that the matter has been resolved in accordance with the union’s established procedures.