As Comrade Adewale Adeyanju’s tenure as President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) draws to a close, the race to determine his successor has intensified.
Findings by SHIPS & PORTS revealed that eight senior union officials are eyeing the coveted position, with the forthcoming election shaping up to be a high-stakes battle influenced by power dynamics, financial clout, and strategic alliances.
Adeyanju, who has served as President-General since his first election on March 17, 2017, will leave office in March 2025 after completing two impactful terms. Under his leadership, MWUN saw significant progress in enhancing members’ welfare and elevating the union’s status. As his tenure nears its end, the question of who will lead MWUN into its next chapter has set the stage for an intense contest.
Among the possible contenders for Adeyanju’s seat are three Deputy President-Generals (DPGs) — Comrade Tonye Harry, Comrade Francis Bunu, and Comrade Boniface Udo; Vice President-General Comrade Abubakar Babaje; and four influential Branch Presidents — Comrade Tajudeen Ohize Ibrahim (Dockworkers Branch), Comrade Ifeanyi Mazeli (Nigerian Ports Authority Branch), Comrade Ekpenyong Ekpenyong (Shipping Branch), and Comrade Segbenu Avose (Seafarers Branch).
While all eight potential aspirants are said to be consulting various interest groups and quietly mobilising support for now, the Shipping Branch and Seafarers Branch have reportedly adopted a unique strategy, arguing that it is their turn to produce the next President-General. These branches point out that they have never led MWUN since its inception in 1996, unlike the Dockworkers Branch and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Branch, which have historically dominated the position.
“For decades, our branch has contributed immensely to the growth of this union. It is only fair that we are given the opportunity to lead. We believe that new leadership from the Shipping Branch will bring fresh perspectives to MWUN,” a senior member of the Shipping Branch said in a recent meeting.
Similarly, members of the Seafarers Branch have echoed this sentiment. “The Seafarers Branch has been a loyal and vital part of this union. It’s time for inclusivity. We are ready to lead and show that we can take MWUN to greater heights,” one of its officials, who did not want his identity disclosed, told SHIPS & PORTS.
Both branches are using this narrative to rally support from the rank-and-file members and other smaller factions within the union, presenting their aspiration as a push for equity and representation.
Despite the calls for fairness, observers note that financial resources and government backing will likely play decisive roles in the election. Comrade Ifeanyi Mazeli, President of the Nigerian Ports Authority Branch, is believed to have the strong backing of the NPA, which wields significant financial resources and political influence. This support mirrors the 2001 election of Comrade Onikolaese Irabor, who emerged as President-General with government support despite coming from a less dominant branch.
Conversely, Comrade Tajudeen Ohize Ibrahim, President of the Dockworkers Branch — MWUN’s strongest arm — is believed to be relying on the branch’s historical dominance. He has also reportedly sought the blessings of former President-Generals Comrade Anthony Nted and Comrade Uzoije Ukaumunna, both of whom hailed from the Dockworkers Branch and remain influential within the union.
Despite persistent lobbying, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju has so far remained neutral, refusing to openly endorse any aspirant. His eventual support, however, is widely seen as a potential game-changer.
“Adeyanju’s endorsement would carry enormous weight,” said a senior union member. “It’s no surprise that all the aspirants are working covertly to secure his backing. But his silence so far has kept everyone guessing.”
Union members have expressed mixed feelings about the growing role of money and government influence in the election.
“This election shouldn’t just be about who has the deepest pockets or the strongest backers,” said a dockworker in Lagos. “It should be about who can truly represent the interests of the workers.”
Others are optimistic that a fair outcome will prevail. “We trust that the union’s electoral process will be democratic,” said another member. “What matters is that the next President-General continues the legacy of Comrade Adeyanju and fights for the welfare of members.”
With less than 10 weeks to the election, the contest is wide open. While the Dockworkers Branch, represented by Ohize, has historically dominated MWUN leadership, the Shipping and Seafarers Branches are leveraging their calls for inclusivity to break this tradition. Meanwhile, Mazeli’s NPA-backed candidacy could present a formidable challenge to the dockworkers’ dominance, reminiscent of Irabor’s government-supported victory in 2001.
As the aspirants continue to mobilise resources and alliances, the role of Adeyanju and key stakeholders such as the NPA will loom large. The election will not only determine MWUN’s next leader but also signal the union’s direction in an era where financial and political interests increasingly shape outcomes.
In the words of one union member, “This is more than an election. It’s about who controls the future of MWUN. The next few weeks will reveal if the union can balance its traditions with the calls for inclusivity and the realities of today’s power politics.”
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