The Working Peoples United (WoPU), a Nigerian grassroots civic movement comprising labour leaders, professionals, artisans, and working-class citizens, has strongly countered recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies and personal attack on Comrade Prince Akporeha Williams and WoPU. The coalition accused opposition figures of deliberately sponsoring him to spread misinformation aimed at undermining the administration’s reform agenda and the Coalition.
WoPU, which operates as a broad platform beyond traditional labour unions, reaffirmed its commitment to good governance and mobilizing support for the Tinubu administration and his reelection In a direct response to the remarks of Kunle Wizeman Ajayi published on Sahara Reporters, the group described his attacks on President Tinubu, Chief of Staff Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and WoPU itself as baseless “campaigns of calumny” , cyberbully driven by political frustration and personal interests.
Speaking in a statement personally signed and released on Monday, the Secretary General of WoPU, Comrade Oladapo Sunday Moses emphasized that while democratic governance welcomes criticism, such engagement must be constructive, fact-based, and aimed at strengthening the system rather than destabilizing it.
He noted that Ajayi’s narratives were “deliberately exaggerated” to mislead the public for pecuniary gains.
“This is an opinion laced with anger and resentment, not grounded in fact. President Tinubu’s administration has engaged labour unions on the minimum wage issue, leading to the approval of a new wage structure. While workers may still feel economic pressure, branding the government as ‘crudely anti-workers’ ignores ongoing dialogue and reforms designed to stabilize the economy,” the statement read.
WoPU further clarified that the removal of fuel subsidies was a necessary policy decision to curb unsustainable spending and redirect resources toward infrastructure and social programs. Although the measure created short-term inconvenience, the government has introduced palliatives, wage adjustments, and investments in transportation and energy to cushion the effects. Assertions that “all sectors” have collapsed were described as exaggerated and misleading
On the minimum wage, WoPU stressed that the new ₦70,000 benchmark, though challenged by inflation, is not among the lowest globally. Many developing nations operate with lower wage floors. The coalition highlighted ongoing government efforts to improve workers’ welfare through housing, healthcare, and transport subsidies.
Addressing Ajayi’s dismissal of WoPU as “dead on arrival,” the group reaffirmed its legitimacy as a coalition of labour stakeholders contributing to national discourse. It argued that new coalitions are a natural feature of democratic labour movements, which thrive on diversity of voices and perspectives. The claim that WoPU exists solely for “chop-money” was described as unsubstantiated and reductionist.
“Mr. Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, who contested as the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate in the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election and suffered a resounding defeat, cannot be regarded as a moral authority on matters of national importance. Electoral failure does not confer credibility, nor does it qualify him to speak responsibly on sensitive issues affecting governance and labour. His inability to distinguish between opinion and fact further discredits his interventions, revealing a lack of depth and seriousness expected of a responsible citizen committed to the progress of his country.
“Rather than engaging constructively, Ajayi appears intent on exploiting WoPU and other distinguished Nigerians merely to gain attention and trend in the public space. His antecedents as a disruptive figure with cantankerous tendencies reinforce the conclusion that his views are not only infantile but also utterly reckless and thoughtless. His commentary reflects more of personal frustration than genuine concern for Nigeria’s development,” Oladapo Moses stated.
WoPU also rejected insinuations that the presence of political leaders at labour events equates to “whitewashing.” The coalition noted that such engagements are necessary in a democracy and reflect government-labour collaboration, and the participants at the very important and successful summit reflected members from from critical economic trade unions and associations.
Highlighting its recent initiatives, WoPU recalled the launch of the Responsible Citizen tag and badge on June 25, 2026, during its Good Governance Summit at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The event, attended by Chief of Staff Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and other dignitaries, underscored the legitimacy of the programme. The emblem serves as a call to action for Nigerians to embody integrity, patriotism, and civic responsibility, encouraging citizens to complement leadership efforts with responsible followership.
Ajayi’s narratives, WoPU concluded, were “distasteful, unpatriotic, and insensitive,” relying heavily on emotional language and sweeping generalizations. While concerns about workers’ welfare are valid, misrepresenting government efforts and delegitimizing new labour coalitions undermines constructive dialogue.
“As a reminder for all misguided elements, including Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, Comrade (Prince) Williams Eniredonana Akporeha who is currently our National Coordinator and Convener concluded his tenure as President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) after eight years of transformative leadership, leaving behind a legacy defined by institutional reforms, worker empowerment, and strengthened union structures. His stewardship repositioned NUPENG as one of the most influential trade unions in Sub-Saharan Africa, earning him respect across the labor movement.
“Akporeha’s unionist journey began at the grassroots level as a Branch Secretary, before steadily advancing to Branch Chairman, Warri Zonal Treasurer, Warri Zonal Chairman, and Vice President (Warri Zone). Each step reflected his doggedness, resilience, and unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare, eventually propelling him to the position of National Treasurer of NUPENG and later, in April 2018, to the presidency of the union.
“Beyond NUPENG, he also served as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Delta State, and later as National Trustee of the NLC in 2023 which he is stil serving, further cementing his influence within Nigeria’s broader labor movement.
“This iconic figure equally oversaw the construction of NUPENG Towers, a landmark project symbolizing the union’s stability and progress. Records also showed that he expanded health insurance coverage for members and consistently defended union membership rights.
“He championed robust negotiations for fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable industry policies, ensuring NUPENG remained a strong voice for workers. He attended international trainings and conferences in South Africa, Brazil, USA, UK, Switzerland, Russia, and South Korea, enhancing his expertise in conflict resolution, collective bargaining, and union management. Akporeha’s leadership style was widely regarded as visionary and quintessential, combining humility with integrity.
“His activism was impactful, his struggles dynamic, and his service honorable; earning him admiration across Nigeria’s labor movement. On April 30, 2026, he formally handed over leadership to another very capable leader of the union Comrade (Dr.) Salimon Akanni Oladiti (JP), ensuring continuity and a seamless transition. This symbolic handover signified not merely a change of office but the passing of a legacy built on resilience and service. By every standard, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi cannot be compared with Comrade Akporeha, as there are no records indicating he ever succeeded even as a secondary school class captain, let alone as a student leader with enduring accomplishments worthy of historical reference. This character is entirely an opposite of what his name suggested. He is not wise and lacking in wisdom.” Comrade Moses remarked.
Nigeria, WoPU noted, is a complex and culturally pluralistic nation with over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages. Governed under a federal system designed to unify diversity, the country faces unique challenges and opportunities in governance, integration, and conflict management. With a government now actively working to address long-standing issues, dismissive commentary such as Ajayi’s reflects a callous and unpatriotic perspective.
Despite criticism, WoPU reiterated its commendation of the Federal Government’s initiatives in youth empowerment and education, including student loan schemes, targeted support for NYSC members, and tailored programmes for young entrepreneurs and vulnerable groups. These measures, the coalition said, demonstrate a deliberate strategy to invest in the nation’s future by equipping young Nigerians with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.
“The achievements recorded so far reflect a genuine dedication to national development. We call on Nigerians to remain united and support policies that secure a brighter and more prosperous future for our country,” said Secretary General of WoPU, Comrade Moses.
Reaffirming its unwavering support for President Tinubu’s leadership, WoPU endorsed the Renewed Hope Agenda as a transformative vision for Nigeria’s growth trajectory. The coalition underscored that with consistent implementation, the administration’s reforms will strengthen institutions, expand economic opportunities, and enhance the welfare of citizens, particularly the working people across all sectors.