…as Chairman, Comrade Kolapo Says Victory Is for Ekiti Workers
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ekiti State Council, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on the victory recorded at the Federal High Court in the suit challenging his candidacy for the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, Comrade Kolapo described the judgment as “victory for democracy, stability, and the welfare of Ekiti workers.”
According to the NLC chairman, the suit, which sought to disqualify Governor Oyebanji on allegations of irregularities during the APC primary, was dismissed by the court for lacking merit.
The presiding judge held that the APC complied substantially with the Electoral Act 2026 and its own guidelines, and that the governor’s nomination was valid. “The judiciary has again defended the will of party members and the rule of law,” Comrade Olatunde said.
Comrade Kolapo noted that Ekiti workers have a direct stake in the outcome because Governor Oyebanji’s first term restored dignity to labour through prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities.
He recalled that the administration cleared ₦4.5bn gratuity backlog within two months and ensured primary school teachers with degrees now progress to Level 16 with access to car and housing loans. “A government that prioritizes workers’ welfare deserves continuity, and the court has removed an unnecessary distraction,” he added.
The NLC chairman said the judgment allows the governor to concentrate on delivering ongoing projects recently approved by the State Executive Council, including ₦737.7m for solar-powered upgrades across nine General Hospitals and EKSUTH, ₦500m for subsidized tractorization, and ₦1.55bn for land clearing under the Youth in Agriculture Programme.
Comrade Kolapo commended Governor Oyebanji for running an issue-based campaign without rancour, as emphasized by APC Campaign Committee Chairman, Senator Cyril Fasuyi.
He said labour in Ekiti would continue to support leaders who match promises with performance, pointing to the lighting up of over 30 communities and the completion of inherited projects as proof of commitment. “This victory is not for the governor alone; it is for every worker who now collects salary as and when due,” the statement read.
The Ekiti NLC boss appealed to all political actors to respect the judgment and focus on peaceful campaigns ahead of June 20.
Comrade Kolapo concluded by reaffirming the support of organized labour for Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid, noting that a second term would make him the first governor to serve Ekiti for eight consecutive years. “We congratulate His Excellency and urge him to remain focused. Ekiti workers are with him because he has been with us,” the statement ended.
