By John Dike, Osogbo Osogbo
Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised a planned tour of ministries and government agencies by labour leaders, alleging it is a covert campaign effort for Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
In a press statement by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC challenged leaders of the so-called Osun Joint Labour Movement to clarify claims that the proposed visits are politically motivated.
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The party referenced an earlier notice issued by labour leaders, including NLC Chairman Christopher Arapasopo, TUC Chairman Bimbo Fasaasi, and JNC Chairman Lekan Adediran, announcing plans to visit 37 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) across the state beginning April 15.
While the labour movement described the tour as a courtesy visit aimed at engaging and appreciating workers, the APC alleged it was a disguised campaign initiative to mobilise support for the governor’s re-election bid.
The opposition party further claimed that the exercise could cost up to N300 million in public funds, describing it as a waste of taxpayers’ money. It also questioned the legitimacy of the Joint Labour Movement, arguing that it is not recognised under Nigeria’s Trade Union Act.
According to the APC, the timing of the proposed visits—coinciding with the official commencement of campaigns by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—raises concerns about its true intent.
The party accused some labour leaders of abandoning neutrality and aligning with the government, alleging that the move was driven by personal interests rather than workers’ welfare.
It urged civil servants in the state not to allow themselves to be used for political purposes and called on them to demand accountability from labour leaders.
The APC also used the statement to promote its governorship candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, describing him as a credible alternative in the forthcoming election.
The party concluded by insisting that the alleged plan by labour leaders would not influence the outcome of the poll, maintaining that voters in Osun State are prepared to make their choice independently.
