WoPU Deepens Grassroots Mobilisation, Inaugurates Lagos Chapter Ahead of 2027

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By Oreva Godwin

For Working People United (WoPU)

Working People United (WoPU), a grassroots civic and political movement, has intensified its mobilisation of Nigerian workers and other citizens, urging them to take a more active role in shaping the nation’s political and economic future rather than remaining on the sidelines of decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods.

The National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Prince Billy Gillis-Harry, made the call at the inauguration of the Lagos State chapter of WoPU, where he described the movement as a potential platform for Nigerians across different sectors to participate meaningfully in national development.

Prince Gillis-Harry said working people remained a major driving force behind Nigeria’s progress, stressing that sustainable national development could not be achieved without their active contribution.

“Without working people, there is really no progress that can be made,” he said, urging workers and other Nigerians to support policies and leadership they believe can move the country in the right direction.

He also called on members of WoPU to embrace responsible citizenship and contribute meaningfully to initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation and improving the welfare of its people.

According to him, the movement must go beyond the traditional boundaries of organised labour and create room for Nigerians working across the formal and informal sectors to participate.

The call came as WoPU announced a broader mobilisation of workers and other members of the electorate ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the organisation declaring support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and the emergence of Obafemi Hamzat as Governor of Lagos State.

The National Coordinator-General of WoPU, Williams Akporeha, said the movement’s decision to endorse Tinubu for another term followed its assessment of the administration’s performance since it assumed office in May 2023.

Comrade Akporeha said the endorsement of Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for 2027 was a carefully considered decision based on the organisation’s assessment of the direction of the administration.

He charged members of the newly inaugurated Lagos chapter to take the Renewed Hope Agenda to the grassroots, particularly their wards, polling units and communities, while encouraging citizens to participate actively in the electoral process.

Comrade Akporeha also announced WoPU’s support for Hamzat and other candidates in Lagos State whom the organisation considers capable of providing progressive and people-oriented leadership.

He said the organisation would continue to build its structures across Lagos’ local government areas, wards and communities while expanding its reach among workers in both the formal and informal sectors.

The National Coordinator-General said WoPU was established to give working people a stronger voice in governance and public affairs, insisting that citizens must move beyond simply demanding accountability from political leaders.

He argued that workers should also participate in identifying, supporting and promoting leaders with the capacity to provide effective and responsible governance.

Comrade Akporeha said the organisation’s membership cuts across professionals, artisans, traders, transporters, farmers, entrepreneurs and other Nigerians engaged in various forms of economic activity.

He added that WoPU would promote greater civic participation through membership registration, public enlightenment on government policies and campaigns aimed at encouraging responsible citizenship.

He urged members of the Lagos chapter to become effective grassroots mobilisers and canvassers for the movement’s agenda, while reminding them of the importance of exercising their constitutional right to vote.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Interparliamentary Affairs and Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adedamola Kasumu, called for unity, peace and responsible political engagement as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

Kasumu said meaningful political deliberations and people-centred development could only be achieved when the benefits of government policies were felt by ordinary Nigerians, stressing that the dividends of governance must reach citizens across the country.

The inauguration drew a massive gathering of workers and citizens, with thousands of professionals, artisans, entrepreneurs, youths, women, union leaders and other members of the public turning out in a strong show of solidarity and unity.

The impressive turnout underscored the growing effort to build a movement that gives working people a stronger voice in the affairs of Nigeria and positions them as active participants in shaping the country’s political future.

From Lagos, WoPU reaffirmed its message that working people are organised, united and prepared to take their rightful place in the national conversation.

The Lagos inauguration therefore represents not just the unveiling of another state chapter, but another step in WoPU’s broader nationwide mobilisation, with the movement declaring that its structures will continue to expand across the country.