Osun Labour Leaders Endorse Governor Adeleke’s Re-election Under Accord Party
Labour leaders from across Osun State, representing unions under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have formally endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for re-election in the 2026 governorship election, pledging overwhelming support following his defection from the PDP to the Accord Party.
The endorsement came on Thursday during a meeting with the Governor at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Osogbo, where he briefed the labour community on his political movement and ongoing governance priorities.
A total of 32 labour leaders attended the meeting, including the Osun TUC Chairman, Comrade Bimbo Fasasi. Speaking on behalf of the unions, the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, declared that the labour movement will mobilise massively to prevent “oppressors and exploiters” from returning to power in 2026.
Arapasopo praised Governor Adeleke’s performance on workers’ welfare, transparency, and implementation of longstanding labour demands.“We have never had it so good as a labour movement,” he said. “As far as workers are concerned, you have done well. Before you came, they lied to us. But you surprised us with your care, faithfulness and truthfulness.”The NLC chairman highlighted the Governor’s full implementation of their 2022 white paper—completed in 2024—as proof of Adeleke’s sincerity and commitment.He stressed that the endorsement was based on “reality and lived experience,” not politics.“We will never return evil for good. The entire labour movement will reward you with huge votes. I will never betray a good man.”Arapasopo also condemned the opposition for past treatment of workers, insisting that labour leaders, who wield significant electoral influence, will not allow past injustices to repeat.“When they served Osun, they treated us as slaves. 2026 is not Adeleke’s fight; it is ours. We have the votes, and we will deploy them. Nobody will take Osun back to an era of repression.”He further commended Adeleke’s handling of minimum wage negotiations, describing it as unprecedented in favour of workers.The labour leader vowed that the unions will mobilise across communities—families, workplaces, and neighbourhoods—to ensure Adeleke’s re-election.“We own the streets.
We will stand by our votes. No federal might can stop the will of the people. Nobody can rig workers’ votes.”The endorsement marks one of the strongest public declarations of support from the Osun labour community ahead of the 2026 governorship race.
