By Ismail Shuaib
ABUJA: The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers NUPENG has dismissed reports suggesting a leadership crisis within the union and its Petroleum Tanker Drivers PTD branch.
The clarification followed allegations by Comrade Humble Obinna Power, the former Chairman of the PTD Sobaz Unit in Calabar, to the effect that NUPENG president, Williams Akporeha and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale were planning to trigger an industrial crisis through the conduct of PTD branch elections in early 2026.
While addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, Obinna alleged that these planned elections breached the union’s bylaws and confirmed that he had petitioned several high-ranking security offices, including the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police.
In a swift rebuttal, a member of the NUPENG National Executive Committee NEC explained that Obinna has no legal standing to challenge the union’s internal processes because he has been suspended and is no longer a recognized member.
The official emphasized that the union refuses to engage in a public spat with individuals who are currently facing serious criminal charges in court.
Records indicate that Lucky Osesua, a former PTD National Chairman removed by the National Industrial Court, is standing trial alongside Obinna and 18 others before Justice Yusuf Halilu in Abuja.
The ongoing criminal case, marked as suit FCT/HC/CR/042/2023, involves a five-count charge including attempted murder, breach of peace, and assault following an alleged attack on the union’s top leadership.
The court is expected to resume hearing the matter on February 9, 2026, and NUPENG leadership has maintained that they will not meddle in the judicial process while these grave charges are pending.
The union further assured the public that there is no threat to the peace of the midstream and downstream oil sectors, as law-abiding members remain committed to supporting the national economy.
NUPENG urged security agencies to closely monitor the actions of the suspended individuals, characterizing their threats as a danger to industrial harmony.
It rreiterated that these characters are merely impostors who are using the union’s name to cast aspersions on its image while they remain under indefinite suspension.
