The Working People United (WoPU) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the APC Delta North Senatorial candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group also invested former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, as its patron, describing him as a statesman whose experience would help strengthen the organisation’s vision of promoting good governance and workers’ participation in politics.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the Delta State chapter in Asaba, the Coordinator General of the Working People United, and former President of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers of Nigeria (NUPENG), Comrade Williams Akporeha, said WoPU was established as a civic and political movement to give working people a stronger voice in governance and public affairs.
He explained that the organisation represents workers in both the formal and informal sectors and is committed to advocating policies that improve the welfare of Nigerians while supporting leaders who demonstrate commitment to good governance.
“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,” Akporeha said.
Declaring the group’s endorsement of President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, Akporeha described the President as a courageous leader who had taken difficult but necessary decisions to reposition Nigeria’s economy.
While acknowledging that the removal of fuel subsidy initially brought hardship to many Nigerians, he maintained that the policy was in the country’s long-term interest.
“I was among labour leaders who opposed the removal of fuel subsidy. But after engaging the President, I understood the realities he inherited, including an empty treasury and the unsustainable burden of borrowing to pay salaries. Today, workers’ salaries are no longer delayed the way they used to be,” he stated.
Akporeha , a member of the board of National Trustees of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),
also commended President Tinubu for approving a new national minimum wage over two years ago,and reducing the wage review cycle from five years to three years, describing the measures as evidence of the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
He equally endorsed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, saying his administration had demonstrated purposeful leadership and commitment to development in Delta State, emphasizing that WoPU would mobilise support for leaders who prioritise the welfare of the people.
The labour leader stressed that the organisation was neither sponsored nor controlled 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.
Akporeha noted that although the 2027 elections were among the group’s immediate priorities, WOPU was established as a long-term movement dedicated to promoting responsible leadership, civic engagement and people-centred governance beyond election cycles.
He urged the newly inaugurated Delta State executives to begin grassroots mobilisation across the state and expand the organisation’s membership.
In his acceptance speech, the Delta State Coordinator of WOPU, Comrade Ogberejitinor Obatarhe, pledged to uphold the constitution of the organisation and intensify public enlightenment on government policies and programmes.
He observed that many Nigerians were not adequately informed about government initiatives and achievements, assuring that the state chapter would leverage social media and other communication platforms to bridge the information gap.
“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,” Obatarhe said.
He also promised to expand the organisation’s membership across Delta State and expressed appreciation to the national leadership for the confidence reposed in the newly inaugurated state executives.
“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.
