The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has dismissed recent media reports alleging a leadership tussle within the union, particularly in its Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD) Branch.
The clarification follows claims by Comrade Humble Obinna Power, a former chairman of the PTD-Sobaz Unit in Calabar, who alleged that NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale were plotting to disrupt the oil sector by conducting “illegal” zonal and unit elections in February and March 2026. Obinna also claimed to have petitioned the NSA, IGP, DG DSS, NLC President, and the Minister of Labour and Employment over the matter.
However, a member of NUPENG’s National Executive Committee (NEC), who spoke on condition of anonymity, dismissed Obinna’s claims, noting that he had been suspended by the union and therefore ceased to be a member of NUPENG.
The NEC member further recalled that the former National Chairman of the PTD, Lucky Osesua, alongside Obinna and 18 others, are facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, including attempted murder, breach of peace, and assault. The case, FCT/HC/CR/042/2023, relates to an attack on NUPENG President Akporeha, General Secretary Afolabi, and the late PTD National Chairman, Augustine Egbon. The trial is set to resume on February 9, 2026.
“These are individuals who have been suspended for actions capable of tarnishing NUPENG’s image,” the NEC member said. “Until they resolve their pending criminal matters, the union will not engage them. We hold the judiciary in high esteem and will not interfere in ongoing trials.”
He reiterated that the union’s genuine members remain law-abiding and will not partake in any activities that could undermine the economy or disrupt the midstream and downstream oil sectors.
The NEC member also urged security agencies to monitor the actions of suspended members, saying:
“Their public threats could threaten industrial harmony in the oil sector. For the umpteenth time, we say categorically that these characters are impostors—they are suspended and cannot parade themselves as members of NUPENG.”
NUPENG’s statement underscores the union’s commitment to maintaining peace, order, and lawful conduct among its members, dismissing fears of industrial unrest in the oil sector.
NUPENG Dismisses Leadership Tussle Claims, Affirms Peace in Oil Sector
