Leadership crisis rocks Lagos TUC over disputed delegates’ conference

The Lagos State Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) is facing an internal leadership crisis following disagreements over the conduct and outcome of its recent delegates’ conference.

 

The council’s Public Relations Officer, Kabiawu Gbolahan, who spoke with journalists in Lagos, described the situation as a deep-seated dispute that goes beyond a contest for positions.

 

According to him, the crisis stems from differing interpretations of the role played by the TUC National Secretariat before and after the conference.

 

Gbolahan explained that the National Secretariat had initially approved the Lagos delegates’ conference and issued guidelines for the exercise, which was later held in Yaba under the supervision of a caretaker committee.

 

He said the process, attended by affiliate unions and stakeholders, produced an executive council led by Aladetan Abiodun Emmanuel.

 

However, he acknowledged that a rival faction has emerged, contesting the legitimacy of the exercise and backing a separate leadership structure.

 

Gbolahan warned that the unresolved dispute could threaten unity within the union if not urgently addressed.

 

Meanwhile, TUC National President, Festus Osifo, insisted that the organisation’s constitution clearly outlines procedures for conducting elections across 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 added that eligibility to contest positions is tied to compliance with union regulations, including financial obligations by affiliate unions.

 

He maintained that the national leadership recognises a duly elected executive for the Lagos State council, stressing that the matter has been resolved in line with established procedures.