Osun Workers’ Strike Politically Motivated, YPF Accuses Adeleke Govt Of Using Labour To Attack Tinubu

The Yoruba Progressives Forum (YPF), a sociocultural organisation, has condemned the three-day warning strike embarked upon by workers in Osun State under the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), describing the industrial action as politically motivated and an attempt to drag President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the lingering local government crisis in the state.

The forum alleged that the strike, led by the Osun State NLC Chairman, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, was part of a political agenda allegedly designed to incite the public against President Tinubu and damage his reputation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji Olalekan Lateef, popularly known as Asiri Ede, YPF accused the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke of allegedly using the workers as political instruments to portray the President in a negative light over the dispute surrounding the control of local government councils in the state.

The forum maintained that the Osun local government crisis is already before the court and should be allowed to follow its legal course without being turned into a political weapon against the President.

YPF described as unfortunate and unacceptable the reported threat by some workers that they might withdraw their support for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election over the local government dispute.

According to the organisation, such a position is an unnecessary politicisation of labour matters and an attempt to blackmail the President over an issue that falls within the jurisdiction of the judiciary.

“It is uncalled for to drag President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into a matter that is already before the court. The President should not be made a scapegoat for a local government dispute that requires judicial interpretation and resolution.

“Workers are expected to remain neutral and professional, irrespective of the political affiliation of whoever occupies the position of local government chairman. Whether the chairmen are PDP-backed, APC-backed, elected, or otherwise recognised by the contending political interests, workers should be concerned with the discharge of their statutory responsibilities and the welfare of the people,” the statement said.

The forum further cautioned the workers against allowing themselves to be used as political tools by the Adeleke-led administration to undermine the influence and public standing of President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

It argued that the responsibility of organised labour should be to protect workers’ interests, demand improved welfare and promote industrial harmony, rather than become entangled in partisan political battles.

YPF also described the reported threat not to support the President’s second-term ambition as an act of sycophancy, insisting that electoral support should not be used as a bargaining instrument in resolving labour or local government disputes.

The organisation stressed that workers have the constitutional right to hold political opinions and make their electoral choices freely, but warned against turning organised labour into a platform for political intimidation or partisan mobilisation.

It urged the NLC leadership in Osun to demonstrate maturity, objectivity and independence by separating genuine workers’ welfare concerns from the political contest surrounding local government administration.

The forum called on the workers to return to their duties and allow the courts to determine the legal issues surrounding the local government crisis, warning that prolonged industrial action could further hurt residents and economic activities across the state.

YPF reaffirmed its position that President Tinubu should not be held politically responsible for a dispute pending before the judiciary, urging all parties to respect the rule of law and refrain from actions capable of escalating political tension in Osun State.