The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has dismissed reports of a leadership crisis within its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch. Instead, the union says its internal structure remains stable and united.
In a statement released on Friday, NUPENG responded to allegations linked to Humble Obinna, a former PTD chairman of the SOBAZ unit in Calabar.
According to the union, Obinna accused Williams Akporeha, NUPENG’s president, and Afolabi Olawale, its general secretary, of attempting to destabilise the oil sector. Specifically, he alleged that the leadership planned to trigger an industrial crisis by organising PTD zonal and unit elections scheduled for February and March 2026.
Obinna also claimed that the proposed elections violated the PTD bylaws and the NUPENG constitution, the union said.
NUPENG Rejects Claims, Cites Suspensions
NUPENG rejected the allegations and disclosed that a member of its National Executive Council confirmed Obinna’s suspension from the union.
In addition, the union stated that Obinna and Lucky Osesua, a former national chairman of PTD-NUPENG, who were removed through a National Industrial Court ruling in Bayelsa, are facing criminal charges before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
“These individuals engaged in actions capable of damaging the image of NUPENG,” the union said.
Meanwhile, NUPENG stated that it would not engage with the suspended members while the courts handle their cases. The union added that it holds the judiciary in high esteem and will avoid interfering with ongoing proceedings.
The union also reassured the public that its activities pose no threat to industrial peace in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors. Furthermore, it said its recognised members remain law-abiding and committed to protecting the economy.
Union Calls for Security Monitoring
Finally, NUPENG urged security agencies to closely monitor the activities of the suspended individuals. It warned that their statements could undermine industrial harmony in the oil sector.
The union described those making the claims as impostors who lack the authority to speak on its behalf.