Osun 2026: NLC, Pensioners Storm Osogbo Streets, Demand Peaceful Governorship Election
OSOGBO, NIGERIA—Ahead of the highly anticipated August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the organised labour union has staged a massive, peaceful protest in Osogbo, the state capital.
The demonstration, held on Monday, aimed to pressure security agencies and political stakeholders to guarantee a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
Leaders of the movement also strongly warned against any form of intimidation targeted at civil servants, retirees, and general residents before, during, and after the Saturday polls.
Organised Labour Raises Alarm Over Political Thuggery
The street protest drew a large crowd of civil servants, unionists, and pensioners. Participants marched through major areas of Osogbo to voice deep concerns over a deteriorating political atmosphere marked by alleged violence, harassment, and voter intimidation.
Addressing the crowd, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Osun State Chapter, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, described the rally as a “mini congress.”
He explained that the mobilization was necessary to brief the public on critical security developments and firmly assert the collective stance of workers and retirees. “Organised labour is deeply worried about rising reports of political thuggery and shootings across the state,” Arapasopo stated.
He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force and sister security agencies bear the ultimate responsibility to protect lives and property, regardless of any citizen’s political affiliation.
“Not a Do-or-Die Affair” — Unions Call on Tinubu, Voters
Echoing these concerns, the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in Osun State, Comrade Olamilekan Adediran, charged civil servants and retirees to remain resilient. He urged all eligible voters to come out boldly on Saturday with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to elect their preferred candidates without fear of molestation.
Adediran further appealed to President Bola Tinubu and top political leaders across all parties to intervene and ensure the election remains peaceful.”
The struggle for political power must never be treated as a do-or-die affair,” Adediran cautioned, stressing that peace is paramount to the progress of Osun State.
