“We Won’t Allow Oppressors, Exploiters to Return to Power” — NLC Chairman
In a major political development ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, leaders of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have formally endorsed the Accord Party as the new political platform for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid.
The endorsement was made on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of the Osun Government House in Osogbo, where Governor Adeleke briefed labour leaders on his recent defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party.
A total of 32 top labour leaders attended the meeting, including the Chairman of the Osun TUC, Comrade Bimbo Fasasi. Speaking on behalf of the labour movement, Osun NLC Chairman, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, declared unwavering support for Governor Adeleke, vowing that the workers would resist any attempt by “oppressors and exploiters” to regain control of the state.
“We Will Not Betray a Good Man” — NLC Chair
In his passionate address, Comrade Arapasopo commended Governor Adeleke for prioritising workers’ welfare since assuming office.
“We have never had it so good as a labour movement,” he said. “Before you came, they lied to us. But you surprised us with your care, faithfulness and truthfulness. You implemented entirely the 2022 white paper we submitted, completing it in 2024 when we least expected it.”
He emphasised that the endorsement was not politically motivated but grounded in the workers’ actual experience under Adeleke’s administration.
“Our declaration of support for you is not political; it is based on reality. We will reward you with huge votes. As far as we are concerned, the entire labour movement stands with you,” he added.
The NLC chairman accused past administrations of maltreating workers and vowed that labour leaders would mobilise massively to prevent their return.
“2026 is not Adeleke’s fight; it is ours. We will not allow people who oppressed and exploited us to return. We own the streets, and we will stand by our votes. Nobody can rig our votes,” he declared.
Arapasopo further praised the governor’s handling of minimum wage negotiations, describing it as unprecedented:
“You empowered us during negotiations. It has never happened anywhere in the world.”
Adeleke: “Accord Aligns With My Workers-First Governance Agenda”
In his address to the labour leaders, Governor Adeleke explained that his decision to join Accord was guided by extensive consultations and alignment of values.
“You are a major ally of my government. I am formally notifying you that I have moved to Accord to seek re-election in August 2026,” he said.
“We chose Accord because it places workers’ welfare at the core of its agenda. As you all know, workers’ welfare has always been number one in my governance priorities.”
He also unveiled a revised five-point agenda for his second-term bid, centred around welfare, infrastructure, agribusiness expansion, social services innovation, and job creation.
The governor expressed gratitude for the labour movement’s early endorsement, describing it as a “deep honour.”
“It is indeed appropriate to now ACCORDINGLY invite you to endorse my new political platform under which I will ACCORDINGLY be re-contesting,” he added humorously, drawing on the party’s name.
Dignitaries in Attendance
Among top government officials present at the event were:
- Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, Secretary to the State Government
- Elder Ayanleye Aina, Head of Service
- Hon. Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information
- Gbenga Fadele, Permanent Secretary, Human Resources and Capacity Development
The endorsement marks one of the strongest political statements from organised labour in Osun State in recent years and is expected to significantly shape the dynamics leading up to the 2026 election.
