Ahead of Saturday’s Ekiti State’s governorship election, Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, has donated two buses to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), urging workers to come out in large numbers to re-elect Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for a second term.
The donation ceremony was attended by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the Ekiti State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, labor leaders, and other stakeholders.
Addressing journalists shortly after the presentation, Bamidele described himself as a lifelong member and beneficiary of the labour movement, saying his political and leadership journeys were largely shaped by struggles championed by workers, students, and youths across the country.
According to him, the labour movement goes beyond workers alone, as it also encompasses students and young people who share a common vision of social transformation and improved living conditions for citizens.
He recalled benefiting from labour-led struggles for free education and academic freedom during his student days, adding that he worked closely with labor unions when he served in the national student movement, particularly during the fight to restore democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Having been a beneficiary of those struggles, it is only natural for me to continue to identify with the labor movement,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to supporting workers and their welfare.
Bamidele also used the occasion to canvass support for Governor Oyebanji, whom he said had performed creditably since assuming office. He expressed confidence that Ekiti people would reward the governor with another term in office.
The Senate Leader, however, said his party was not only interested in winning the election but also in securing a massive turnout at the polls. He urged eligible voters to approach the election with confidence and courage and vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that supporting the party would amount to endorsing the continuity of Governor Oyebanji development agenda in the state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Oyebanji praised the Senate Leader for his magnanimity and solid backing for his government, urging the workers to reciprocate the gesture by standing firmly with the APC- led government in the state.
The governor added that his government has kept faith with the promises made to the workers through prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, as well as effecting promotions to deserving workers as and when due.
“With what you are getting today, you can all attest that the entire APC is worker friendly and we will keep the tempo going. We will continue to partner all relevant stakeholders to put smiles on the faces of our workers.
“In reciprocation of this gesture, make judicious use of these vehicles for your logistics and mobility and as well support us, so that we can collectively take Ekiti to the promised land”
