The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has insisted that civil servants have the constitutional right to participate in partisan politics, dismissing claims by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, that they are barred from political activity.
In a statement issued on Monday, 18 August 2025, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, expressed concern that the debate had resurfaced despite being settled before the 2023 general election.
Ajaero emphasised that the 1999 Constitution and a Supreme Court ruling unequivocally affirm the right of all Nigerians, including civil servants, to freely join political parties and contest elections.
“Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution is explicit in guaranteeing every Nigerian, including civil servants, the right to assemble freely and associate with others,” he said.
Citing the Supreme Court decision in INEC vs Attorney General of the Federation & Others, Ajaero added: “The provisions of Section 40 are clear. They allow every person, including public office holders and civil servants, to freely form or belong to any political party, trade union, or association for the protection of their interests.”
He further noted that several constitutional provisions — including Sections 66(1), 107(1)(f), 137(1)(g), 142(2), 182, 187(2) and 222 — already recognise the right of public servants to engage in politics. The only requirement, he explained, is that such officials must resign from their posts at least 30 days before an election in which they seek to contest as candidates.
“The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation spoke in error and contrary to the provisions of the law and existing legal precedent,” Ajaero maintained. He urged workers to disregard the restriction, adding: “We call on all civil servants and private sector workers to actively participate in partisan politics as part of their civic responsibility.”
