The Trade Union Congress has warned Nigerian workers against selling their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to make informed political choices and protect their collective interests.
TUC President Festus Osifo gave the warning at the 2026 Labour Writers Association of Nigeria workshop held at Golden Tulip in Lagos. He was represented by the President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro.
Osifo cautioned workers against compromising their votes and later expecting organised labour to challenge governments they had helped elect. He urged them to place their collective welfare above partisan interests as the country approaches another election period.
Speaking at the event, Olabiyi-Agoro called for reconciliation and stronger cooperation between the TUC and the Nigeria Labour Congress. He proposed that both organisations sign a memorandum of understanding to improve their relationship and establish common positions on issues affecting workers.
He warned that disagreements between the two labour centres should not undermine workers’ interests, adding that the Federal Government should not be allowed to benefit from their division. He expressed confidence that the organisations would eventually overcome their differences and present a united front against policies they considered harmful to workers.
Olabiyi-Agoro also said the two unions needed to harmonise their positions before engaging the government. He noted that disagreements over issues such as the proposed ₦70,000 transport allowance should not automatically be interpreted as opposition to workers’ welfare.
Drawing from his experience as a former TUC chairman in Oyo State, he recalled that cooperation between the two labour centres had helped advance workers’ interests. He urged both organisations to rebuild their relationship and strengthen their collective voice in engagements with the government.
