Osun’s labour movement delivered a major political boost to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Thursday, unanimously endorsing his shift to the Accord Party and pledging to mobilise “massive votes” for his re-election in the 2026 governorship poll.
The endorsement, issued by leaders of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress during a briefing at the Government House in Osogbo, positions the state’s organised labour as a decisive force ahead of a contest expected to be fiercely fought.
Speaking on behalf of 32 union leaders present, NLC Chairman Comrade Christopher Arapasopo declared that workers would not allow what he described as “oppressors and exploiters” to return to power. He praised the governor’s record on welfare, saying the administration had delivered unprecedented gains for workers.
“We have never had it so good as a labour movement. As far as workers are concerned, you have done well on welfare,” Arapasopo said. He cited the full implementation of a 2022 white paper by 2024 as evidence of Adeleke’s commitment. “Our declaration of support for you is not political. This is the reality of experience. We will never return evil for good. We will reward you with huge votes.”
The labour leader accused the opposition of treating workers as “slaves” during their previous stint in office, warning that unions would vigorously campaign to prevent a repeat. “We own the streets and we will stand by our right to vote and be voted for. Nobody can rig our votes.”
Arapasopo also commended Adeleke’s approach to the minimum wage negotiations, saying the governor empowered labour representatives in a manner he claimed was unprecedented globally.
Earlier, Governor Adeleke formally notified the unions of his move from the People’s Democratic Party to the Accord Party, describing labour as a critical ally in his political journey. He said the decision followed wide consultations, including with the labour movement, and aligned with Accord’s worker-focused platform.
“The Accord has the welfare of the people and the workers as its main agenda. Workers’ welfare has always been number one on my governance agenda,” Adeleke said, outlining a revised five-point programme centred on welfare, infrastructure, agro-industrial expansion, social services and job creation.
He welcomed the labour movement’s early endorsement, calling it “an honour” and inviting union members to embrace Accord as the platform for his 2026 re-election bid.
The event was attended by senior state officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye; Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina; Commissioner for Information, Hon Kolapo Alimi; and Permanent Secretary for Human Resources Services and Capacity Development, Gbenga Fadele.
The statement was issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.