The election that declared Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has been deemed invalid, as the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed the re-election of Tajudeen Baruwa as the legitimate president.
According to court documents obtained by Sahara Reporters, the appellate court, in a unanimous judgment on November 8, 2024, upheld the March 11 ruling of the National Industrial Court, which recognized Baruwa’s presidency following the union’s delegate conference held on May 24, 2023.
MC Oluomo, a close political ally of President Bola Tinubu, was elected unopposed on November 9, 2024, during a delegate conference for Zone 2 of the union held in Osogbo, Osun State. However, this election contravenes previous court rulings, rendering it null and void.
Legal Basis for Nullification
The Court of Appeal, led by Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi, dismissed the appeal challenging Baruwa’s leadership and upheld the industrial court’s ruling. The judgment declared that the election overseen by Acting President Aliyu Issa-Ore—himself previously disqualified by the industrial court—was illegitimate.
The appellate court also awarded a cost of ₦100,000 against the appellants, reaffirming the validity of Baruwa’s second term as determined during the Lafia conference held on August 23, 2023.
The court ruled that there was no evidence of a leadership crisis to justify the creation of a caretaker committee, which had supported Issa-Ore’s contested leadership.
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise
MC Oluomo’s emergence as NURTW president has sparked concerns due to his longstanding loyalty to President Tinubu and his controversial past. His ties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and his role as a former Lagos State NURTW chairman have been marred by allegations of using thugs to disrupt elections and intimidate political opponents.
In 2023, MC Oluomo faced backlash after a video surfaced showing him issuing threats to Igbo voters during the Lagos governorship election. Despite public outrage and condemnation by the Nigerian Police Force, he faced no legal repercussions.
In previous statements, MC Oluomo has openly declared his unwavering loyalty to Tinubu, crediting him for his rise in Lagos politics.
Implications of the Ruling
The court’s decision invalidates MC Oluomo’s election and reaffirms Baruwa as the legitimate leader of the NURTW. This ruling is expected to restore order within the union, which has been plagued by leadership disputes and internal conflicts.
With the judiciary’s affirmation of Baruwa’s presidency, the focus now shifts to ensuring compliance with the court’s ruling and addressing broader concerns about the intersection of politics and union leadership in Nigeria.
