Organised labour in Osun State has vowed to deny President Bola Tinubu the support and votes of workers, pensioners, and their families in the 2027 general election. This decision stems from the continued withholding of statutory allocations due to local government councils in the state. The labour movement stated that it can no longer guarantee the votes of its members and their dependants for the president's re-election while local government workers suffer the consequences of the prolonged allocation crisis.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) state chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, made the position known on Monday in Osogbo. This announcement came after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the federal and state governments to resolve the dispute over local government funds. The funds have been withheld since February 2025. Labour demands the immediate release of allocations to alleviate the hardship imposed on workers, pensioners, and their dependents.
The Organised Labour considers it necessary to make its political position clear regarding the president's re-election bid. The union's loyalty is first and foremost to the working class and the people it represents. Labour support is neither automatic nor unconditional but must be earned through policies and actions that protect workers' welfare and dignity. This stance arises from the continued withholding of local government allocations and the attendant hardship.
Christopher Arapasopo emphasised that the interests and welfare of workers, pensioners, and their dependents must take precedence over individual political preferences. While acknowledging the governor's commitment to supporting the President's re-election, the labour leader stressed that their struggle is not against the people of Osun State but for the economic survival of workers and pensioners. The unions expressed readiness for genuine dialogue to achieve industrial peace through justice and respect for workers' rights.
The labour union demands the immediate release of all outstanding statutory allocations due to Osun local government councils. They also call for the discontinuation of further payments into what they describe as an illegal United Bank for Africa (UBA) account. Additionally, the union seeks protection of workers' salaries and other entitlements and a permanent resolution of the local government financial crisis.
While industrial action could disrupt public services and inconvenience residents, the unions appealed for public understanding. They stressed that their actions are aimed at ensuring the economic survival of workers and pensioners. The labour movement is willing to engage in dialogue, maintaining that industrial peace can only be achieved through justice and respect for workers' rights.
The development has significant implications for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. The president will need to address the concerns of workers and pensioners in Osun State to regain their support. The situation remains a challenge for the federal and state governments to resolve the local government financial crisis and ensure the smooth operation of council activities.
Key points
- Osun State organised labour threatens to withhold support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election over withheld local government funds.
- The labour union demands the immediate release of statutory allocations due to local government councils and protection of workers' entitlements.
- The development has significant implications for President Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027.
