Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke
By John Dike, Osogbo
Organised labour in Osun State has thrown its full weight behind Governor Ademola Adeleke’s 2026 re-election bid, endorsing the Accord Party as his new political platform and pledging unprecedented mobilisation in his favour.
It announced this on Thursday at the Government House Banquet Hall in Osogbo, where the Governor formally briefed leaders of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Accord.
Altogethee, 32 labour leaders from various unions were in attendance, including the Chairman of the Osun TUC, Comrade Bimbo Fasasi.
Speaking on behalf of the unions, the Osun NLC Chairman, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, declared that workers would not allow those he described as “oppressors and exploiters” to return to power in the state.
Arapasopo praised Adeleke for what he called an unprecedented commitment to workers’ welfare.
He said, “We have never had it this good as a labour movement.
“You have done passionately well. Before you came, they lied to us. But you surprised us with your care, faithfulness and truthfulness.”
He highlighted the full implementation of a 2022 labour white paper — completed in 2024 — as a major turning point in labour’s confidence in the governor’s administration.
Arapasopo added, “Our declaration of support is not political; it is based on our lived experience.
“We will never return evil for good. The entire labour movement will reward you with huge votes and support.”
The labour leader accused previous administrations of mistreating workers, insisting that 2026 “is not Adeleke’s fight,” but that of the labour constituency.
His words, “We will not watch and allow people who repressed and exploited us to take over Osun again.
“We own the streets, and we will stand by our rights to vote and be voted. Nobody can rig our votes.”
Speaking earlier, Adeleke said he considered labour a major pillar of his government and political decisions. He explained that his move to Accord Party followed consultations with key constituencies, including the labour movement.
He said, “We eventually settled for Accord because of the labour movement.
“Accord has workers’ welfare as a core agenda, and as you know, workers’ welfare has always been number one on my governance agenda.”
The governor unveiled a reviewed five-point agenda he intends to pursue under Accord Party, which centres around workers’ welfare, infrastructure expansion, agro-industrial growth, innovations in health and education, and improved business climate for job creation.
Adeleke thanked the labour unions for endorsing his second-term ambition more than a year ahead of the August 2026 governorship election.
He said, “It is an honour to have the entire labour movement endorsing my re-election.
“I remain a strong ally of the labour community.”
The briefing was attended by top government 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, Human Resources and Capacity Development, Gbenga Fadele.
