The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ajibola Bashiru, has assured civil servants in Osun State of the party’s respect and commitment to working with them, distancing the APC from individuals who have allegedly made disparaging remarks about workers.
Speaking during a meeting with former Local Government Education Authority officials at his residence in Osogbo, Bashiru said comments perceived as insulting to civil servants did not reflect the position or ideology of the APC.
According to him, civil servants remain critical stakeholders in the political and developmental landscape of Osun State and will play a significant role in the outcome of the August 15 governorship election.
In a video of the meeting circulated on social media on Saturday, Bashiru said:
“Those who go on radio to challenge workers over their numerical strength in Osun are not speaking for the APC. The party did not send them, and they do not represent our position in any way.
“Civil servants are enlightened people. They are respected in their communities, and people listen to them because they understand governance and leadership.
“I have enormous respect for them, and nobody has the authority to insult them in the name of our party.”
The APC chieftain urged workers not to allow personal opinions expressed by individuals to influence their perception of the party.
“I want to appeal to our civil servants not to use their influence against the APC because of careless statements from some individuals.
Those comments are personal opinions and not the official position of our party,” he added.
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Bashiru also cautioned party members and candidates against complacency ahead of the governorship election, stressing the need for unity, discipline and reconciliation within the APC.
He called on party members to rally behind the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the poll.
The APC national secretary further urged National Assembly aspirants within the party to prioritise the governorship election over individual ambitions.
“Let me say this clearly. If we fail to secure victory for Oyebamiji on August 15, your Senate and House of Representatives tickets in the APC are like bread labels,” he said.
“Members must avoid internal conflicts and channel their energy towards ensuring the APC’s return to power in Osun.”
Political parties in Osun State have intensified engagements with key stakeholders ahead of the governorship election, with civil servants widely regarded as an influential voting bloc.
The administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke has prioritised workers’ welfare through its five-point development agenda introduced in 2022, while Oyebamiji has pledged enhanced welfare packages for workers under his seven-point “PROSPER” agenda.