Organised labour in Osun and retirees in the state on Monday celebrated the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the August 15 gubernatorial election with a solidarity congress in Osogbo.

The workers, who converged at the frontage of the state government secretariat, Abere in large numbers, chanted solidarity songs and danced to rejoice over the governor’s electoral victory.

Addressing journalists at the solidarity rally, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun State, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, noted that Adeleke’s victory was enhanced by his administration’s welfarist policies for workers and pensioners, including socioeconomic development of the state.

Arapasopo, who also expressed the support of Osun workers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term ambition in 2027, commended civil servants and all residents of the state for standing by Adeleke despite fierce opposition to his re-election by some powerful forces.

He said, “Whatever Mr Governor is seeing today is just a result of his good deeds towards workers and pensioners. Welfarism is always a force as far as government is concerned.”

Describing Adeleke’s re-election as a victory for workers, pensioners and Osun indigenes, Arapasopo implored him to fulfill his campaign promises during his second term in office.

The NLC chairman, however, declared the support of Osun workers and pensioners for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027, just as he lauded him for allowing the people’s votes to count during the governorship election.

Arapasopo stated: “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the entire labour in Osun State, workers and pensioners, we are supporting you for your second term because you have made us proud. We are with you, Asiwaju.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Osun State, Comrade Abimbola Fasasi, said Adeleke’s victory a testament to the will of God and a reward for the goodwill the governor had built among residents during his first term.

Fasasi urged workers to reciprocate the governor’s support by becoming more dedicated to their duties, while appealing to Adeleke to do more for the workforce during his second term.

In his remark, Comrade Olamilekan Adediran, Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), submitted that Adeleke’s success at the poll was a reflection of workers’ satisfaction and endorsement of residents for good governance.