Lagos NURTW election: Support for “homeboy” Oluomo in full throttle

The sudden resurgence of posters and banners outdoor and on social media proclaiming support for Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo’s bid for the chairmanship of the Lagos State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW is sure indication that support for the homeboy is in full throttle in his base.

The Ejigbo indigene who made good in Oshodi, the nerve centre of the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area by rising through the ranks in a union where only the tough rides the trough is mobilizing everyone in his base  and leaving no stone unturned to come home with the chairmanship of the union.

This would be the third time Oluomo will be staking all to lead the union. He lost the bid in 2009 to Rafiu Akanni Olorunwa and in 2011 to Tajudeen Agbede deciding to hold the position of Treasurer while waiting for another chance.

The coast seems clearer this time, thanks to several favourable factors.

If the election goes by the book, no fewer than 900 delegates at the rate of five each from the estimated 180 branches of the union in Lagos will vote. The five voting officials are the chairman, vice chairman, treasurer, secretary and financial secretary.

Considering the massive support he is enjoying in his Oshodi-Isolo base, Oluomo has in his kitty the officials of the eight branches of Oshodi and three of Ejigbo, Isolo and Cele with the exception of two possible dissentients.

The decision of the new chairman of Ejigbo branch of the NURTW, Femi Olowu to team up with Oluomo has reportedly led to the switch of over 15 branch chairmen who were sitting on the fence across the state.

Oluomo is running against Olawale Ajilo, whose base is in Ojota where he is believed to be mobilizing the branches in the Kosofe local government and environs to support his bid.

One of the deciding factors in the election will be the fallout of the election of the president of the NURTW held a few weeks ago where Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa of Ogun State council defeated Tajudeen Agbede of the Lagos State Council.

Both contenders are set for a re-match in Lagos as Baruwa is expected to swing his new found swagger in favour of Oluomo, his campaign manager in Lagos State while Agbede is expected to back Ajilo, who rooted for him in his bid for NURTW presidency.

Agbede’s strength is believed to lie in the creation of new branches during his eight-year tenure which raised the total number from about 120 to 180 and gave power to new chairmen who may want to reward his gesture with votes.

Insiders say Oluomo also has the support of the south western zonal leadership of the NURTW who might rally round him in deference to the president.

The new NURTW leadership is expected to meet in Abuja this week to decide on the Lagos election and determine the fate of its outgoing leadership.

Forces outside the union are announcing their interest in the election. The Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area chapter of the All Progressives Congress appealed to the party’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to support Oluomo’s bid.

Its statement, signed by 16 leaders, reads: “ We will appreciate your support as usual for one of us, who has been loyal and sympathetic to our party,Musiliu Akinsanya, (MC Oluomo), who is also interested in the chairmanship of NURTW in Lagos State.”