The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has expelled 11 officers and some members, while suspending 15 others, for alleged violations of the resolutions of its National Executive Council (NEC). The decision was announced in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency NEC meeting held recently in Lagos. The statement was signed by the President General, Festus Osifo, and the Secretary General, Nuhu Toro.
Disciplinary Committee Investigation
Speaking on the development, Osifo explained that the body, at its April 27, 2026, meeting, directed the national secretariat to set up a disciplinary committee to investigate cases of “flagrant disobedience” by members, officers, and affiliates who allegedly disregarded the resolutions and decisions of the congress. He stated that the committee was mandated to invite all concerned persons, provide a fair hearing in line with the TUC constitution and principles of natural justice, determine culpability where established, and recommend sanctions.
Expulsion of Members
After receiving and deliberating on the committee’s report, the NEC approved the expulsion of 11 members from the Lagos, Rivers, Enugu, and Bayelsa State councils with immediate effect. Those expelled include Abiodun Aladetan, Gbolahan Kabiawu, Veronica Egbukichi, and Salau Oladele from the Lagos State Council; Josiah Udoka, Emmanuel Onumbu, and June Danangogo from the Rivers State Council; Ben Asogwa, Simeon Akaeme, and Joe Igbokwe from the Enugu State Council; and Fefegha Edwin from the Bayelsa State Council.
Osifo said the expelled persons cease to be members, officers, representatives, or functionaries of the congress in any capacity. The communiqué read that they were barred from representing or acting on behalf of the TUC, participating in congress activities, issuing statements in its name, collecting funds on behalf of the organisation, or using any of its official materials, insignia, and property. The congress further directed the expelled members to immediately hand over all TUC documents, assets, identity materials, and official property in their possession.
The NEC also warned affiliates, state councils, institutions, employers, government agencies, security agencies, and the public against recognising or dealing with the expelled persons as representatives of the congress.
Suspension of Officers
In addition, 15 officers from Lagos, Rivers, and Bayelsa State councils were suspended for two years with immediate effect. Those suspended include Martins Adesanoye and Idoka John from the Lagos State Council; Nnamdi Cosmos and Jacob Idakwo from the Rivers State Council; as well as 10 officers from the Bayelsa State Council, including Enemotimi Allen, Atonye Jonah, Kuro Peri-Ockiya, Tupere Diekedie, and Gita Peremobowei. The TUC stated that during the suspension period, the affected officers would cease to function in any official capacity within the congress or use its name and property.
Importance of Discipline
The NEC reaffirmed that discipline remained essential to the “survival, stability and integrity” of the congress, stressing that no personal interest or ambition should supersede the collective interest and unity of the organisation.
Reaction from Expelled Chairman
In his reaction, the Lagos Council Chairman, Abiodun Aladetan, claimed he is still the bona fide, duly elected TUC Chairman in Lagos State, stating that his emergence as the Chairman was a product of due process and compliance with the TUC constitution. “I wish to state categorically that I am not aware of any valid NEC decision or lawful pronouncement removing me from office as Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State Council. I am still the bona fide,” he said.
“What I am aware of, however, is the unconstitutional attempt by the President of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, and the Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, to replace me as the duly and validly elected Chairman of TUC Lagos State Council with an individual who never contested for the office of Chairman in the first instance, but rather obtained nomination form for the office of Secretary and was accordingly elected as Secretary.
“The election that produced me was in accordance with the delegate list and election guidelines issued by Comrade Nuhu Toro on behalf of the National body of the TUC.
“As a law-abiding trade unionist, I have an abiding faith in constitutional order, due process, and the rule of law rather than the rule of man. I have submitted the issue to the Honourable National Industrial Court, Lagos Division, to determine in Suit No: NICN/LA/129/2026 between Comrade Aladetan Abiodun V Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo & 4 Ors.
“The matter is now properly before the Court of Justice, and I have absolute confidence in the integrity and independence of the judicial process.
“My mandate is drawn from a democratic process. In view of this, I wish to urge members of the public, affiliates, comrades, and the media to discountenance anything to the contrary.
“I remain committed to peace, due process of law, and the cherished internal democracy bequeathed to us in the Trade Union Congress by great heroes past like Comrades Peter Esele, Quadri Olaleye, Bobboi Kaigama, and others,” he said.
