The political climate in Osun State grew tense on Friday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and organised labour locked horns over accusations of partisanship and political interference.
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The APC, through its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, accused the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) of abandoning its core responsibility to workers and aligning with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration. The party alleged that the NLC chairman, Dr. Christopher Arapasopo, had become more of a government spokesperson than a defender of labour issues, warning that such partisanship could weaken the union’s credibility.
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Olabisi argued that the labour movement should focus on addressing workers’ welfare rather than shielding the state government from criticism. He described the NLC’s conduct as shameful and damaging to the independence of the labour movement.
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But organised labour, under the joint platform of the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), dismissed the APC’s claims. In a statement signed by Arapasopo and other union leaders, the unions accused the APC of attempting to intimidate and silence labour through what they described as tyrannical tactics.
They insisted that the attack on Arapasopo was an affront to workers’ rights and a reflection of the APC’s history of undermining democratic principles in the state. The unions declared that they would not bow to political pressure and remained committed to defending the welfare of workers and pensioners.
The exchange of words has further deepened tensions between the opposition party and organised labour, raising concerns about the balance between politics and workers’ advocacy in Osun State.
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