NLC Chair Urges Free Voting in Osun Governorship Poll

Christopher Arapasopo, the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun State, stated that civil servants should not face intimidation before or during the governorship election scheduled for August 15. Speaking at a joint congress of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress at the Osun Government Secretariat in Abere, he emphasized the importance of exercising civic duties without fear.

Arapasopo defended Governor Ademola Adeleke against allegations of vote-buying related to a recent payment of N20,000 to civil servants, clarifying that this payment was made in response to a letter from labor leaders requesting palliatives for workers and pensioners. He noted that the governor had agreed to pay N10,000 each due to financial constraints.

Arapasopo warned against any attempts to intimidate civil servants and called for a free and fair election, appealing to President Bola Tinubu to ensure the Osun APC does not create a hostile environment. The Independent National Electoral Commission has cleared 14 political parties to participate in the election.