From Enweliku Kent Asaba
The national leadership of the Working People United has inaugurated its Delta State chapter, declaring support for President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of the 2027 general election.
The group also announced the investiture of former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, as the patron of the organisation.
The inauguration took place on Thursday at the Ovuozourie Macaulay Executive Chamber, Nigeria Labour Congress Secretariat, Asaba.
Speaking at the event, former President of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and National Trustee of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Prince Williams Akporeha, said WOPU was created as both a civic and political movement to promote good governance and encourage workers to participate actively in politics.
According to him, the organisation represents workers in both the formal and informal sectors and is committed to advocating policies that improve the welfare of Nigerians.
Akporeha said, “We are here for two reasons: to advocate good policies and to support good politics. Working people should not only demand accountability but also identify and support leaders who can deliver good governance.”
He said the group had adopted President Tinubu as its preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 election, describing him as a leader who had taken difficult but necessary decisions to reposition Nigeria’s economy.
Akporeha acknowledged that the removal of fuel subsidy brought hardship to many Nigerians but insisted that the decision was taken in the country’s long-term interest.
“I was among labour leaders who challenged the removal of fuel subsidy. But after engaging the President, I understood why the decision was taken. He explained that he inherited an empty treasury and could not continue borrowing to pay salaries. Today, workers’ salaries are no longer delayed the way they used to be,” he said.
He also commended Tinubu for approving a new national minimum wage and reducing the interval for wage reviews from five years to three years.
According to him, the decision showed the President’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
Akporeha also declared the group’s support for Governor Oborevwori, saying his administration had demonstrated commitment to good governance in Delta State.
He said WOPU would mobilise support for the governor and other leaders it considered committed to improving the lives of the people.
The labour leader also announced that former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, had been invested as the patron of the organisation, describing him as a leader whose experience would strengthen the group’s vision.
He, however, stressed that the movement was not sponsored by any politician.
“No politician is funding this movement. It is not the initiative of any political office holder. We believe working people must have a voice, not only in criticising government but also in supporting policies and leaders that are doing the right things,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Delta State Coordinator of WOPU, Comrade Ogberejitinor Obatarhe, pledged to work in line with the constitution of the organisation and intensify efforts to enlighten residents on government policies.
According to him, many people are not adequately informed about the programmes and achievements of government, adding that the group would use social media and other platforms to engage the public.
“We have a duty to educate our people because many of them are not well informed about the performance of government. We will use social media and every available platform to ensure they understand what we stand for and why we support good governance,” he said.
Obatarhe also promised to expand the membership of the organisation across Delta State.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure more people join Working People United. On behalf of the Delta State chapter, I thank the national leadership for the confidence reposed in us, and we promise to deliver on the mandate given to us,” he added.
Akporeha said although the 2027 elections remained one of the group’s immediate priorities, WOPU was established as a long-term movement that would continue to advocate good governance beyond election cycles.
He urged the newly inaugurated Delta State leadership to begin mobilising workers and other Nigerians across the state who share the vision of promoting responsible leadership and people-oriented governance.
(The Sun)