Osun APC alleges bias, misconduct by NLC chair in prolonged strike

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, of fabricating claims that the opposition was after his life over the ongoing strike by the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, the APC described Arapasopo’s threat claims as false, branding him a compromised labour leader who is allegedly sympathetic to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.

Olabisi said the party felt vindicated by Arapasopo’s failure to deny accusations of misconduct, alleging that the labour leader had been “frolicking in the company of women of easy virtue,” frequenting hotels and eateries while accompanied by gun-wielding Amotekun corps, under the guise of security threats.

He further accused Arapasopo of playing a damaging role in the prolonged strike in local government councils, claiming his actions had blocked workers’ access to cooperative funds and emoluments and prevented traditional rulers from receiving their statutory allocations.

The APC also questioned Arapasopo’s stance on security, noting that if he believed NULGE members should stay home due to threats, then it would be consistent for all state workers to go on strike as well.

Olabisi accused Arapasopo of “biting the hand that once fed him,” recalling how he had benefited from the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola through sponsored trips, events, and even a car gift during his time as chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union.

The party criticised the Adeleke administration’s handling of workers’ welfare, pointing out that of the N2.4 billion budgeted for local training in 2025, N1.3 billion had been spent by June, yet civil servants’ training expenses remain unpaid. It also highlighted the poor remittance of contributory pensions and the lack of funds released for group life insurance and gratuity arrears.

Olabisi concluded by urging Arapasopo to focus on addressing the real concerns of workers—such as unpaid benefits—instead of allegedly acting as a spokesperson for the state government out of personal interest.