A major political disagreement has erupted in Osun State between the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state's Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chairman, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo. The conflict stems from the labour leader's public declaration to mobilise votes for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the upcoming August 8 gubernatorial poll.
NLC Chairman's Pledge to Back Adeleke
Comrade Christopher Arapasopo made his supportive stance clear during an interdenominational service held at the Governor's Office earlier this week. He vowed that workers in Osun State would vote massively to ensure Governor Adeleke, who is the standard bearer of the Accord Party, secures a second term in office.
Arapasopo justified the labour union's resolve by pointing to the governor's laudable welfare policies for workers and pensioners. He also cited the implementation of infrastructural projects and positive impacts across all key sectors of the state as reasons for the endorsement.
APC's Strong Condemnation and Rebuttal
The Osun State chapter of the APC responded sharply to the NLC chairman's comments. In a statement released on Friday by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party lampooned Arapasopo for turning himself into a campaign manager for Governor Adeleke.
The APC contended that such partisanship from a labour leader ahead of the August 8 off-cycle governorship election is deplorable. While acknowledging Arapasopo's right to support any political party, the party argued that vowing the collective votes of all Osun workers was shameful.
The statement read in part: "The show of shame embarked upon by the highly partisan Osun State NLC chairman... when the supposed number one labour leader in the state turned himself to the campaign manager of the governor was a testimony to the fact that he has not only sold out to the incumbent governor but he is a gross misfit for such an exalted position."
Implications for the Upcoming Gubernatorial Race
This public spat highlights the increasingly politicised atmosphere in Osun State as the election draws near. The NLC chairman's direct involvement signals a potential shift in organised labour's traditional stance, while the APC's fierce reaction underscores the high stakes of the contest. The incident sets the stage for a heated campaign period where endorsements and alliances will be critically scrutinised by all parties involved.
