Governor Ademola Adeleke has received a major political boost ahead of the August 15 governorship election as pensioners and organized labour in Osun State publicly declared their support for his re-election bid.
The endorsement came during a gathering of pensioners and labour leaders in Osogbo, where speakers highlighted what they described as unprecedented improvements in the welfare of retirees and workers under the current administration.
Why Osun Pensioners Are Supporting Adeleke
Leading the endorsement was the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Osun State Chapter, Alhaji (Chief) S. Ola Odefisayo, who described Governor Adeleke's tenure as one of the most pensioner-friendly administrations in the state's history.
According to him, retirees have witnessed significant improvements in their welfare, particularly in healthcare access and pension administration.
Odefisayo noted that pensioners across the state remain appreciative of the free medical services available through the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), saying the initiative has eased healthcare challenges for thousands of elderly citizens.
He also commended the administration for maintaining regular pension payments and implementing policies aimed at restoring dignity to retired workers.
Achievements That Earned the Endorsement
The pensioners' leader listed several interventions that influenced the union's decision to support the governor's second-term ambition.
Among them were the payment of inherited half-salary arrears, introduction of a ₦25,000 minimum pension, prompt remittance of contributory pension obligations, approval of outstanding pension adjustments, donation of a bus to pensioners, and provision of borehole facilities through OHIS.
According to Odefisayo, the endorsement was not motivated by politics but by a desire to acknowledge leadership that has positively impacted the lives of retirees.
"This is not praise-singing. It is recognition of performance and responsible governance," he emphasized.
Despite the endorsement, the union leader appealed to the government to continue addressing outstanding issues, particularly unpaid gratuities and some pending pension adjustments.
Labour Reacts to APC Chieftain's Comment on Civil Servants
The event also featured a strong response from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Chapter, over recent remarks allegedly made by a member of the opposition APC concerning civil servants.
NLC Chairman, Comrade Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, condemned the statement and argued that workers deserve respect regardless of their profession.
He noted that artisans and civil servants are all contributors to economic development and should not be subjected to disparaging comments.
According to him, labour unions in Osun remain united in defending the interests and dignity of workers.
"We Will Vote and Defend Our Votes"
In one of the strongest political declarations of the event, Arapasopo stated that workers in Osun would not only vote massively for Governor Adeleke but would also protect their democratic choice through lawful and peaceful means.
He credited the administration with maintaining prompt salary payments, engaging constructively with labour unions and implementing worker-friendly policies.
The labour leader also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution political actors who, according to him, repeatedly invoke the President's name to justify actions that do not reflect democratic values or support workers' welfare.
Adeleke Responds to Endorsements
Responding to the endorsements, Governor Adeleke expressed appreciation to both pensioners and workers for their confidence in his administration.
The governor said pensioners deserve special attention because they dedicated the greater part of their lives to serving the state and should enjoy dignity and comfort in retirement.
He recalled that shortly after assuming office, his administration prioritized pension reforms and welfare interventions, leading to the payment of salary arrears, introduction of monthly wage awards and expansion of healthcare access through the Osun Health Insurance Scheme.
According to Adeleke, these actions were not political favours but measures aimed at correcting long-standing injustices and improving the quality of life of senior citizens.
August 15 Election Takes Center Stage
As preparations intensify for the August 15 governorship election, the endorsements from pensioners and organized labour are expected to strengthen Governor Adeleke's campaign.
The governor urged both groups to remain active participants in the democratic process and to translate their support into votes on election day.
He argued that continuity would enable his administration to consolidate gains already recorded in pension administration, workers' welfare, healthcare delivery and broader governance reforms.
With pensioners and labour leaders publicly aligning with the governor, political observers believe the endorsements could become a significant factor in shaping voter sentiment ahead of the crucial election.
