AUATON Crisis Deepens: Founding Secretary Calls for Fresh Elections Amid Leadership Tussle
As internal wrangling continues to shake the foundations of Nigeria’s leading e-hailing drivers’ union, Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATON), one of its founding executives, Comrade Ayoade Ibrahim, has called for fresh elections across all levels of the union to resolve the ongoing leadership crisis and restore legitimacy.
In a recent interview with Technext, Ayoade — the union’s founding General Secretary — said the current leadership structure lacks constitutional credibility and must be dissolved through democratic elections, starting from the local government branches up to the national level.
A Fragile Foundation: No Elections, Just Arrangements
Explaining how the union’s leadership was initially formed, Ayoade revealed that no formal elections were held when AUATON was created. Instead, the executive positions were shared among three founding organizations — NUPABW, NACORP, and PEDPA — in a power-sharing agreement.
This arrangement saw Adedamola Adeniran (NACORP) appointed as President, Ayoade Ibrahim (NUPABW) as General Secretary, and Jolaiya Seun Moses (PEDPA) as Treasurer. At the state level, positions were also distributed: Lagos was allocated to PEDPA, Abuja to NACORP, and Kano to NUPABW.
“This arrangement was made without elections, which is why some states had leaders from different groups. However, this setup is no longer tenable,” Ayoade noted.
“To put the union on a firm footing, we need to follow the AUATON constitution, conduct branch and state elections, and hold a National Delegate Conference.”
Withdraw Lawsuits and Rebuild – Ayoade Urges
Beyond calling for elections, Ayoade urged the AUATON President, Adedamola Adeniran, to withdraw all ongoing lawsuits filed against union members. He said this was in line with the recommendations of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which had previously stepped in to mediate the conflict.
“I just want to beg everybody, this is not the time to claim rightness or wrongness,” Ayoade pleaded.
“Let Adedamola withdraw his case against Emeka [Southeast VP] and the others. If everything goes well, I will also withdraw the case that involves me. At least five people currently have cases pending at the industrial court. Let’s rally around and start this union afresh.”
He further warned that continued division could spell doom for the union, stressing that the existence of three factions — the Adedamola camp, the Central Working Committee (CWC), and his own — was destroying the cohesion of AUATON.
“If this union fails, all of us as leaders have failed — regardless of which group we belong to. The union won’t survive if we keep dragging each other to court.”
President Responds: Let’s Talk, But No Surprises
Responding to Ayoade’s call, President Adedamola Adeniran said in a separate interview that he is not opposed to elections. However, he emphasized that Ayoade must first present his proposal directly and clarify his intentions.
“He needs to talk to me so we are on the same page,” Adedamola said.
“He’s expressing his personal opinion, not speaking for the union. I can’t agree with him until I understand what he really means — there shouldn’t be any hidden agenda.”
While acknowledging Ayoade’s seniority and long-standing involvement in unionism, Adedamola suggested the founding secretary could work from outside the structure if he’s no longer aligned with the current direction.
No Dialogue Under Present Conditions – Ayoade
In reply, Ayoade made it clear he is open to discussion but not under the current leadership climate, which he describes as hostile and dysfunctional.
“I don’t have any problem speaking with Adedamola, but not under the present condition where people are suing each other and refusing to back down,” he said.
AUATON: A Union at Crossroads
The crisis in AUATON reflects broader challenges facing organized labour in Nigeria’s gig economy. The union, formed to protect the rights of ride-hailing and app-based transport workers, has been marred by allegations, factionalism, and now legal battles.
Earlier in the year, AUATON faced public backlash over reports linking President Adedamola to alleged past criminal cases in the U.S. — allegations he has denied. The union has also led major protests, including a planned shutdown by over 5,000 Lagos drivers against Uber, Bolt, and inDrive over poor wages and driver exploitation.
Now, with its leadership in turmoil, AUATON’s credibility is at stake.
Conclusion: A Call for Unity and Reform
If AUATON is to survive and continue representing the interests of app-based transport workers in Nigeria, urgent steps must be taken to restore order. Transparent elections, conflict resolution, and unity among factions are essential to rebuilding trust among its members.
As Nigeria’s gig economy grows, unions like AUATON must evolve into democratic, accountable, and conflict-free institutions — or risk collapsing under the weight of internal discord.
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