The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has denied allegations that it is using law enforcement and the courts to resolve internal leadership disputes. Williams Akporeha, the union’s national president, made this statement during a trial at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. The trial involves 21 former leaders of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, branch of NUPENG, who are facing charges including attempted murder, breach of public peace, and assault.

The defendants, who include former PTD national chairman Lucky Osesua and others, are accused of attacking Akporeha, the union’s secretary-general Olawale Afolabi, and newly elected PTD national chairman Augustine Egbon. All 21 defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Akporeha, testifying as the second prosecution witness, stated that NUPENG remains a unified body and is not divided into rival factions.

According to Akporeha, the PTD branch conducted an executive election in June 2022, which was later nullified by the National Industrial Court. A fresh election was ordered, and after two more elections were nullified, NUPENG conducted another election in Ibadan, which Akporeha claimed was the legitimate one. He denied allegations that one group within the union was using the police and courts against another to settle internal disputes, stating that NUPENG is a single entity with 150 branches, including the PTD.

The trial highlights the ongoing internal conflicts within NUPENG, which have led to multiple elections and court cases. The union’s leadership has been embroiled in a dispute over the legitimacy of the PTD branch’s election, with different factions vying for control. As the trial continues, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on the charges against the 21 defendants and what implications this may have for the union’s leadership and internal dynamics. The case is being closely watched by observers, who are awaiting the outcome and its potential impact on the union’s future.