Nine transport unions in Ogun State, under the Transport Unions Alliance for Yayi, have thrown their support behind Solomon Adeola, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, ahead of the 2027 election. The endorsement was announced at a rally held at the Ake Palace Pavilion in Abeokuta, the state capital. The unions, which include the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, among others, cited Adeola's antecedents and capacity as the reason for their support.
The Chairman of the planning committee and State Secretary of RTEAN, Tiwalade Akingbade, described the endorsement as historical, noting that it was the first time the transport unions had collectively backed a governorship candidate. Akingbade said the unions were supporting Adeola because of his capacity and antecedents, rather than ethnic or sectional considerations. He added that the theme of the gathering, "Consolidation of Proven Capacity and Competence," reflected their assessment of the candidate.
Akingbade expressed confidence that Adeola could sustain the state's development trajectory, saying the unions were convinced of his competence and capability. He noted that all nine union chairmen had signed the endorsement card presented to Adeola. The endorsement is seen as a significant boost to Adeola's campaign, given the influence of the transport unions in the state.
Alhaji Shamsudeen Apelogun, the National President of ACOMORAN, said the unions' decision to endorse a candidate demonstrated their political awareness and importance to the state's economy. Apelogun noted that transport operators were major stakeholders in Ogun State and had both the organisation and numerical strength to influence political choices. He called for greater attention to roads and transportation, noting that an efficient transport system would strengthen economic activity across the state.
Apelogun cautioned against allowing transport unions to become instruments of political division, urging members to assess the records and antecedents of candidates seeking public office before deciding whom to support. He emphasised the need for transport unions to be involved in the electoral process, saying their support could make or break a candidate's chances of winning.
Responding to the endorsement, Adeola promised to sustain the state's development trajectory if elected, saying Ogun residents should expect further growth. He thanked the transport unions for their endorsement, describing their support as an indication of their desire for continuity. Adeola vowed to consolidate the achievements of the current administration and take the state further, saying Ogun State deserved better.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, who also addressed the gathering, described the endorsement as "truly unprecedented and historic," saying the unity displayed by the unions was significant for the state. Abiodun noted that the development demonstrated stability and continuity in Ogun State, saying investors were looking at the state and seeing nothing would change. He appealed to transport operators not to increase fares arbitrarily, saying his administration had invested heavily in infrastructure to support their businesses.
Key points
- The transport unions' endorsement of Yayi is seen as a significant boost to his campaign.
- The unions cited Yayi's antecedents and capacity as the reason for their support.
- The governor described the endorsement as "truly unprecedented and historic".