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 backed 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 group, Comrade Prince Akporeha Williams, said WoPU was fully in support of President Tinubu’s re-election, citing his administration’s policies and programmes aimed at improving economic opportunities for Nigerians, particularly workers.
Pledging to mobilise support for the President’s re-election bid, Williams said the decision followed extensive consultations and deliberations among members.
He commended Tinubu for approving a new minimum wage and for plans to review the minimum wage cycle, reducing the interval between reviews from five years to three, adding that the group’s mission is to mobilise working people and promote the administration’s 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.
‘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.’
Williams commended the President for introducing the Student Loan Scheme, which he said ensures no child is left uneducated, as well as for 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,’ he said.
On Lagos politics, Williams described Hamzat as an experienced grassroots politician who had spent years in government and was well-positioned to tackle the state’s growing infrastructural and population challenges.
He said WoPU was ready to actively participate in campaigns for Hamzat and other progressive candidates standing for election in Lagos State.
The National Coordinator of Operations at WoPU, Comrade Prince Billy Gillis-Harry, said the movement was created to ensure workers have a seat at the decision-making table rather than merely reacting to policies after they are introduced.
He said the organisation brings together workers from different professions, including farmers, traders, artisans and oil workers, to contribute to governance.
‘Over 90 million Nigerians are working people, and we are ready to support the continuation of this administration.
‘We are also ready to support the candidacy of Dr Obafemi Hamzat as the next governor of Lagos State,’ Gillis-Harry said.
He called for stronger participation by Nigerian workers in government policy formulation, adding that government policies would struggle to achieve their objectives without the support of workers across different sectors of the economy.
The convener, Comrade Funmi Sessi, said the group came together to endorse Tinubu’s re-election and Hamzat’s candidacy for Lagos State Governor, to ensure the continuation of the present administration’s work.
‘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,’ Sessi said.