LG funds row: Osun labour threatens to withdraw support for Tinubu’s re-election

Labour unions in Osun State have announced they are prepared to withdraw support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election campaign due to ongoing financial disputes. The National Labour Congress, NLC, Osun State Council, made this declaration at a press conference on Monday, following a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal and State Governments to address the issue. The seven-day ultimatum expired on Monday, leading to the initiation of a three-day sympathy strike starting midnight on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

The labour unions demanded immediate release of outstanding statutory allocations to Local Government Councils, cessation of payments into disputed bank accounts, and protection of workers' salaries, pensions, gratuities, and other entitlements. They also threatened to stop guaranteeing votes and support for Tinubu from workers, pensioners, and their families.

The action was taken in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Osun State Council, whose members have also declared a three-day strike in response to the financial crisis affecting local government workers.

The unions clarified that their strike was not a way to punish residents or cause hardship but a necessary response to the prolonged suffering of local government workers due to the financial crisis. They emphasized that workers are also members of society who rely on public services and stressed that their loyalty lies with the working class and the people they represent, not with any individual political figure.

The unions urged participants in the strike to maintain discipline and ensure the picketing remained peaceful and lawful. Despite the industrial action, the unions remained committed to resolving the local government financial impasse permanently and maintaining loyalty to the working class and the people they serve.