By Our Correspondent

National News – Najeem Salaam, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party of deepening divisions within the state’s labour movement.

The allegation was made on Friday, May 1, 2026, during separate May Day activities held in Osogbo, where factions of workers reportedly aligned with different political interests.

According to Salaam, who spoke through his campaign council led by Segun Olanibi, the emergence of parallel Workers’ Day celebrations highlights growing political interference in labour affairs.

He described the situation as harmful, stressing that labour unions should remain united to effectively advocate for workers’ welfare.

The controversy follows a rally organised by the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers in Osun State.

During the event held in Olorunda Local Government Area, the group urged members to support APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji in the upcoming election.

Various worker groups, both formal and informal, participated in the gathering.

Salaam warned that such endorsements risk weakening the collective bargaining strength of workers.

He emphasised that Workers’ Day should promote solidarity, not political division, adding that partisan influence could derail efforts to improve salaries, pensions, and working conditions.

Explaining how his administration would address the issue, Salaam promised to restore unity within labour unions if elected.

He pledged to ensure prompt payment of salaries and pensions, create an enabling environment for labour organisations, and eliminate political interference in union activities.

He further called on workers across Osun State to resist attempts to divide them along political lines and remain focused on shared goals such as economic justice, dignity, and fair treatment.

Salaam concluded that sustainable development in Osun depends on a united workforce, urging stakeholders to prioritise workers’ interests above political gains.