AUATON State Councils Reject President Removal 12-5

In a significant development within the Nigerian drivers’ union, AUATON, a majority of the union’s state councils have declared the removal of the national president, Adedamola Adeniran, as unlawful. Twelve out of the seventeen state councils, along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have expressed their disapproval of the vote-of-no-confidence passed against Adeniran. These states include Lagos, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Ondo, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kaduna, Cross River, Ogun, Rivers, Oyo, and the FCT, Abuja. The remaining four states—Enugu, Ebonyi, Delta, and Kano—did not join the declaration.

The vote-of-no-confidence was passed by the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the union during a virtual meeting held on June 23, 2025. The CWC cited reasons such as administrative overreach, disruption of democratic processes, constitutional breaches, and medical unfitness for their decision. However, the 12 state councils have criticized the CWC for convening the meeting without the knowledge or authorization of the president and for constituting a parallel disciplinary committee, which they claim contravenes the AUATON constitution. The councils also pointed out that the CWC meeting, which was the second of that month, violates the union’s constitution, which stipulates that CWC meetings must be held once every two months.

The state councils have called for a Special Delegates Conference to address the ongoing crisis and restore unity within the union. They highlighted that the current conflict began after the Southeast zonal chairman, Comrade Emeka Emereole, publicly accused the president of various financial improprieties. These accusations include squandering funds meant for delegates, sabotaging the union’s interests, and receiving financial benefits from a ride-hailing company. The state councils believe that a Special Delegates Conference would help bring about the unity and cohesion that is currently lacking within the union.

The councils have also advised that a national delegate congress should be held within 90 days from the date of the scheduled special delegate conference to ensure peace, unity, and progress within the union. The 12 state councils and the FCT have emphasized the need for the union to refocus on implementing the goals of the national collective agreement rather than engaging in hierarchical battles. They believe that a Special Delegates Conference can reunite the union and restore peace, addressing the contentious issues that have arisen between the National Executive Council and the CWC.