Dockworkers drag MWUN PG to court over alleged breach of due process

Crisis appears to be deepening within the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) as the Dockworker Justice Forum, a faction within the union’s dockworkers’ arm, has dragged the national leadership to court over alleged violations of due process and disregard for democratic principles.

The forum accused the leadership of MWUN under Comrade Bunu Abi of handpicking candidates to fill district leadership positions ahead of the forthcoming district elections, which are yet to be officially scheduled.

At the National Industrial Court sitting on October 14, 2025, Barrister Anyanwu appeared on behalf of the union and requested an adjournment, prompting the court to fix January 11, 2026, as the next hearing date.

In its ruling, the court ordered that no district elections should take place until the pending matter is determined.

According to the Dockworker Justice Forum, the district delegates must be allowed to freely elect their preferred candidates without intimidation or interference.

Comrade Abi’s administration has also been accused of undermining the union’s constitution and attempting to bar some bona fide members from contesting for elective positions of their choice.

The outcome of the case is expected to shape the future of internal democracy within the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.