May Day: We’ll Vote Adeleke for Second Term Over Pro-Workers Policies – Osun Labour

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

Organised labour in Osun State has declared its support for Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, citing his administration’s worker-friendly policies and welfare reforms.

The endorsement was announced during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Fakunle Comprehensive School, Osogbo, where the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, said workers would reciprocate the governor’s performance with their votes.

Arapasopo noted that Adeleke’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers and pensioners has strengthened labour’s resolve to back his re-election bid.

“We have resolved that there is no going back. We will support Governor Adeleke for a second term to sustain the gains recorded under his administration,” he said.

He highlighted key achievements, including the implementation of a ₦75,554.28 minimum wage, the clearance of over ₦50 billion in pension arrears, and the payment of inherited half-salary backlogs.

The labour leader also commended the administration for enrolling pensioners in a free health insurance scheme, restoring the position of Permanent Secretaries to stabilise the civil service structure, ensuring prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and implementing cash-backed promotions.

Other initiatives he cited include the recruitment of teachers and digital economy training for youths under the Imole Youth Corps programme.

Despite the commendation, Arapasopo urged the governor to address outstanding issues, including filling vacant Permanent Secretary positions and providing palliatives for workers and pensioners.

He called on workers to mobilise support across communities, religious centres and families to ensure Adeleke’s victory at the polls.

Responding, Governor Adeleke expressed appreciation to labour unions for their cooperation since he assumed office, pledging to sustain and deepen pro-worker policies.

“Workers’ Day is not just a celebration but a time to reflect on the difficult years many workers endured, including irregular salaries and accumulated arrears,” he said.

The governor said his administration has prioritised the dignity of labour by implementing the new minimum wage and clearing a significant portion of inherited liabilities.

“To date, we have cleared over ₦50 billion in pension arrears and made substantial progress in settling outstanding obligations, including nearly 70 per cent of long-standing pension debts,” he stated.

Adeleke also noted that pensioners have been enrolled in the Osun Health Insurance Scheme at no cost, improving access to healthcare and reducing financial hardship.

He reaffirmed his commitment to prompt salary and pension payments, describing financial stability as essential to workers’ wellbeing.

The governor urged workers to support his administration in the forthcoming election, assuring that his government would continue to prioritise their welfare and protect their rights.

“Your vote is for continuity, for the protection of your welfare, and for sustaining the progress we have achieved together,” he added.