MWUN Condemns Misinformation, Warns Against External Interference in Upcoming Elections

MWUN Condemns Misinformation, Warns Against External Interference in Upcoming Elections

By Prince Benson Davies

MWUN President General Comrade Adewale Adeyanju has cautioned against sensational and baseless claims regarding the upcoming election, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and democratic process. He warned contestants and delegates against campaigns of calumny, stressing that the union’s election is not a do-or-die affair ¹.

Adeyanju also lifted the embargo on campaign activities, announcing that campaigns can commence from January 6, 2025. He assured that all elections will be held in Lagos, as it is the seat of power for the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) ¹.

In a separate statement, Adeyanju warned parastatals, companies, and external agents to refrain from interfering in the union’s upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of preserving the integrity of the democratic process.

MWUN Counterstatement: “The attention of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, MWUN, has been drawn to an article titled “MWUN Presidency: Eight Aspirants Jostle to Succeed Adeyanju Amidst Government, Financial Influences,” published by “Ports & Ships” magazine on January 6, 2025.

While we acknowledge the importance of an informed public discourse on matters affecting our esteemed union, we find it necessary to address the inaccuracies, baseless claims, and sensationalism in the said publication.

First and foremost, it is important to clarify that the union has only recently lifted the ban on campaigns starting from 6th January 2025, and forms for aspirants to declare their intention to contest have yet to be issued out.

Consequently, the publication’s detailed analysis of purported candidates and their alleged strategies is both premature and misleading. It is regrettable that “Ships & Ports,” a respectable outlet, would propagate unverified information from a nameless individual, thereby unnecessarily heating up the polity of our union and the maritime sector.

Secondly, the claim that financial resources and government influence will dictate the outcome of the forthcoming election is both laughable and baseless, and we wonder where the writer got his/her information from. MWUN remains a democratically run organization guided by its constitution. The union’s tradition provides for a free and fair delegates’ conference, devoid of external interference or monetary inducement. To suggest otherwise undermines the credibility of our electoral process and disrespects the integrity of our members.”

“MWUN operates on the principles of equity and unity, and its leadership is determined democratically. Any aspirant’s eligibility will be assessed and determined based on the guidelines enshrined in our constitution and not on the speculative and disruptive arguments presented in the said publication.

We also take exception to the reference to the supposition that MWUN allows the interference of our past leaders to determine our leadership, as this negates the spirit of the foundation of discipline and respect for rules and law, which they worked tirelessly to lay and which still drives our objectives.

We, however, thank the writer for recognizing the good record that Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the incumbent President-General, has maintained through his leadership by holding a neutral stance and ensuring a level playing field for all. Any claim suggesting otherwise is a construction intended to create division within the union.

MWUN is committed to upholding its legacy of transparency and inclusion. Also, take exception to the reference to the supposition that MWUN allows the interference of our past leaders to determine our leadership, as this negates the spirit of the foundation of discipline and respect for rules and law, which they worked tirelessly to lay and which still drives our objectives.

We, however, thank the writer for recognizing the good record that Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the incumbent President-General, has maintained through his leadership by holding a neutral stance and ensuring a level playing field for all. Any claim suggesting otherwise is a construction intended to create division within the union.

MWUN is committed to upholding its legacy of transparent and inclusive governance, as exemplified during Comrade Adeyanju’s tenure. We urge “Ships & Ports” and other media outlets to prioritize accuracy and impartiality in their reporting. The union’s leadership election is not a political circus but a structured process designed to reflect the will of its members.

In conclusion, we call on the media to desist from publishing unverified reports that could undermine the unity and stability of MWUN and industrial peace in the maritime sector. We remain focused on ensuring a seamless transition of leadership that prioritizes the welfare of our members and the continued progress of the maritime industry.”