The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has suspended its national president, David Nosa Aigbonran, appointing Comrade Rachel Oluwatosin Ibiwoye as Acting National President with immediate effect, following internal leadership disputes that unfolded over the past week.
The union’s National Executive Council (NEC) disclosed this leadership change through a statement issued by the Lagos State Council. This suspension comes just two days after David Nosa Aigbonran was officially recognized as the union’s substantive chairman, succeeding Adedamola Adeniran, who stepped down amid ongoing turmoil.
Oluwatosin Ibiwoye’s elevation to acting president was met with support from various state councils, including a commendation from Rivers State’s chairman, Comrade Nosa Omoruyi, who praised her for stepping up during this critical period. Her new role is expected to foster unity among members, strengthen democratic practices within AUATON, and champion the rights and welfare of Nigeria’s platform drivers.
The Public Relations Officer for the Lagos council, Comrade Iwindoye Steven, welcomed the shift, describing it as a well-timed and deserved promotion. He emphasized the union’s trust in Oluwatosin’s capability to steer AUATON toward greater effectiveness and resolve internal conflicts.
The removal of David Nosa stems from a series of allegations including constitutional violations and disregard of union resolutions. NEC members accused him of prematurely declaring himself substantive president, ignoring directives to act only temporarily until proper elections are held between him and his fellow deputy, Oluwatosin.
According to union insiders, Nosa’s actions contravened Article 16B(v) of AUATON’s constitution. Additionally, his unilateral decisions, such as excluding a Central Working Committee (CWC) member from important meetings and sidelining authorized administrators, fueled the discord. The unresolved mediation efforts involving former president Adedamola Adeniran and Acting General Secretary Comrade Ayoade further exacerbated the situation, ultimately leading to Nosa’s indefinite suspension.
A source close to the union’s leadership revealed that Nosa’s self-appointment did not sit well with key NEC and CWC figures, resulting the power struggle that culminated in his suspension.
He was meant to serve as acting president for 90 days, after which an election was to decide the permanent leader. Instead, he prematurely asserted full control, causing friction with other council members – He said
Meanwhile, debate continues among union members over whether Oluwatosin should also serve an acting term of 90 days before elections take place, or if the suspension of her co-deputy means different constitutional rules now apply.
