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A coalition of unions, labour leaders, workers, professionals and artisans under the aegis of Working People United (WoPU) has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027 and thrown its weight behind the candidacy of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, for the governorship of Lagos State.
Speaking at the inauguration of the WoPU Lagos State Chapter, the National Coordinator of the organisation, Comrade Prince Akporeha Williams, said the group was fully committed to Tinubu’s re-election, citing what he described as policies and programmes of the administration aimed at expanding economic opportunities and improving the welfare of Nigerian workers.
Williams said the endorsement followed extensive consultations and deliberations among members, stressing that WoPU was prepared to mobilise working people across the country in support of the President.
He specifically commended Tinubu for approving a new minimum wage and for initiating plans to review the minimum wage cycle, reducing the interval between reviews from five years to three years.
According to him, WoPU was established to mobilise working people, promote their participation in governance and educate them on the policies and reforms of the Tinubu administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We will unite working people across all sectors in Lagos, ensuring that every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every working person in Lagos is mobilised. We will educate our people on the policies and reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and support the 4+4 vision,” he said.
Williams said the decision to support Tinubu was based on the group’s assessment of his performance since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.
“This is not a decision taken lightly. We have assessed the President’s performance since assuming office on May 29, 2023, and we are convinced that the Renewed Hope Agenda has brought tangible benefits to Nigerian workers,” he added.
He also commended the administration for introducing the Student Loan Scheme, supporting small businesses and expanding social investment programmes.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken bold and decisive steps to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” Williams said.
Hamzat Gets Lagos Backing
On the Lagos governorship race, Williams described Hamzat as an experienced grassroots politician with years of service in government, saying his experience positioned him to address the state’s growing infrastructure, population and economic challenges.
He declared that WoPU would actively participate in campaigns for Hamzat and other candidates it considers progressive in the 2027 elections.
The National Coordinator of Operations of WoPU, Comrade Prince Billy Gillis-Harry, said the movement was created to give working people a stronger voice in governance and ensure they have a seat at the decision-making table rather than merely reacting to government policies after they have been introduced.
He said the organisation brings together workers across different sectors, including farmers, traders, artisans and oil workers, to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development.
“Over 90 million Nigerians are working people, and we are ready to support the continuation of this administration,” Gillis-Harry said.
He added: “We are also ready to support the candidacy of Dr Obafemi Hamzat as the next governor of Lagos State.”
Gillis-Harry called for greater involvement of Nigerian workers in the formulation of government policies, arguing that policies and reforms would have limited impact without the active participation and support of workers across the various sectors of the economy.
Why WoPU Is Supporting Tinubu, Hamzat
The convener of the group, Comrade Funmi Sessi, said WoPU came together to endorse Tinubu’s re-election and support Hamzat’s governorship ambition because of what the group described as the need for continuity in government.
Sessi said the coalition believed the Tinubu administration had embarked on measures aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy and creating opportunities for workers and businesses.
“This administration has taken bold and decisive steps to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and shared prosperity. So, we have to support it to continue this good job,” she said.
The endorsement gives the Tinubu and Hamzat campaigns another platform for engaging organised workers and artisans, particularly in Lagos, where labour, professional and informal-sector groups constitute an important bloc in electoral mobilisation.
However, the political significance of WoPU’s endorsement will ultimately depend on its ability to translate its declaration into grassroots mobilisation, voter education and sustained campaign activity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Source-The Nation
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