Comrade Uche Igwe-Onu, the incumbent Treasurer of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), has reaffirmed his intention to remain in the race for the position of President-General, despite several branches of the union endorsing his main opponent, Comrade Francis Bunu.
In a recent telephone chat with our correspondent, Comrade Onu emphasized his commitment to the electoral process and his vision for the union. He stated: “Yes, the insinuation that I am vying for the position of President-General of MWUN is correct, and I am still in the race.
“I understand that some branches have declared their support for a particular candidate, but this is politics. It is the delegates to the conference who will decide the outcome of the election.”
This assertion comes amidst a wave of endorsements for Comrade Francis Bunu, who has garnered significant support from various branches within the union. Recall that on January 17, members of the Dockworkers and Seamen branches publicly declared their backing for Bunu, bolstering his position as a leading candidate.
Despite these developments, Comrade Onu said he remains undeterred. He acknowledges the endorsements, but maintains that they do not necessarily reflect the collective will of the delegates.
“For those who have endorsed a particular candidate, they are doing that on their own. At the end of the day, it is the delegates who will cast their votes, and I am confident in presenting my vision to them,” he remarked.
Onu stated that his campaign strategy is notably distinct from that of his opponent. While some candidates have engaged in high-profile endorsements and public declarations, Onu said he has chosen a more understated approach which focuses on direct engagement with delegates and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of delivering tangible results for union members.
“I don’t believe in making too much noise or coming to the social media to make too much noise. I believe that the focus is on what are the deliverables for the workers. And those I consolidate and then talk to the delegates for that purpose,” he explained.
He explained that he has plans to engage with the press and the Nigerian public formally. He said he intends to organize a press conference to outline his objectives and vision for the union. “Very soon, we will organize a press conference to showcase our plans and objectives. This will allow us to present our vision for the union and clearly to those who will be voting,” he stated.
In contrast, Comrade Francis Bunu, who has received endorsements from several branches, has also outlined his vision for the union. He has pledged to improve workers’ welfare and contribute to the growth of the maritime industry. Bunu’s campaign has been characterized by active engagement with various branches and a focus on building broad-based support within the union.
As the election date approaches, the dynamics within the union are intensifying. Our correspondent gathered that the decision by Comrade Ifeanyi Edwards Mazeli, President of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) branch, to withdraw from the race, has added a new dimension to the contest. Mazeli cited the need for peace and harmony within the union as his reason for stepping down. He has since endorsed Comrade Bunu.
This development has further consolidated support for Bunu, particularly within the NPA branch. However, Comrade Onu said he remained resolute in his decision to continue his campaign, viewing the endorsements of his opponent as a natural part of the political process within the union.
