TUC national crisis deepens as NEC expels members, Lagos council heads to court

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) is facing a widening internal crisis after its National Executive Council (NEC) expelled and suspended several members across multiple state councils over alleged misconduct and defiance of union directives.

The decision, taken during an emergency NEC meeting in Lagos, followed the adoption of recommendations from a disciplinary committee set up to investigate claims of insubordination within some state chapters, including Lagos, Rivers, Enugu and Bayelsa.

In a communiqué signed by TUC President Festus Osifo and Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, the NEC announced the expulsion of 11 members and the suspension of 14 others for a period of two years. The affected officials were accused of violating union resolutions and engaging in conduct deemed harmful to the unity and discipline of the organisation.

The NEC directed that all expelled members cease immediately from acting in any capacity on behalf of the TUC, including participation in meetings, negotiations, elections and public representation. It also barred them from using the union’s name, symbols and official resources.

The leadership maintained that discipline was essential to preserving the integrity of the congress, stressing that all members are bound by the TUC constitution and the decisions of its governing organs.

However, the decision has triggered sharp resistance, particularly in Lagos State, where the state council has rejected the sanctions and described them as unconstitutional.

The Chairman of the TUC Lagos State Council, Abiodun Aladetan, insisted that he remains the duly elected leader, arguing that there was no lawful process removing him from office. He maintained that his emergence followed a transparent election conducted under guidelines issued by the national secretariat.

Aladetan further accused the national leadership of attempting to impose a replacement who did not contest the chairmanship position, insisting that such action violates the union’s constitution and due process.

He also confirmed that the matter has been taken before the National Industrial Court in Lagos, where he is seeking judicial interpretation of the dispute and validation of his mandate.

According to him, the case now before the court will determine the legality of the NEC’s actions and resolve the leadership crisis within the state council.

The unfolding dispute has also affected other state councils, with similar tensions reported in Rivers, Bayelsa and Enugu, raising concerns about widening fractures within the labour body.

Labour observers warn that the crisis could test the TUC’s internal democratic structures and further intensify debates over discipline, leadership authority and constitutional compliance within organised labour in Nigeria.