• Rates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Abba Yusuf high on labour issues.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu, has enumerated a number of issues that would shape the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

According to him, such issues include critical labour market issues such as mass decent employment, non- retrenchment, job creation, job security, regular payment of salaries, pension payment and gender equity, adding that the issue of security would equally influence how organised labour and millions of informal workforce would vote in next year’s presidential and state elections.

Aremu, who stated this at two separate labour-related functions in Ilorin and Kano, had led the management and staff of the premier National Institute for Labour Studies to confer the institute’s Fellowship on Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir, for the Governor’s “commitment to decent work agenda of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu with respect to public service job creation, job security, pension and gratuities arrears payments hitherto unpaid by past governors”.

The colorful event at the parade ground of Kano State Government House attracted hundreds of pensioners led by the President of National Union of Pensioners (NUP), host Chairman of the Kano State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kabir Inua, two former Presidents of NLC, Ayuba Wabba and Abdulwaheed Umar as well as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda..

The MINILS boss, who said that singular historic event pointed to labour endorsement of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for a second term in office, commended Governor Abba Yusuf for following “the foot print of progressive labour market policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with respect to increased minimum wage, cleared trillion Naira contributory pension arrears, non-retrenchment amidst revenue crisis”.

The notable high-point of the event was the disbursement of the sixth batch of gratuities and death benefits worth N5bn. N33bn has been so far paid by the Governor out of the accumulated pension. arrears.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the governor’s performance, noting that his administration has met the expectations required of an incumbent seeking re-election, citing Yusuf’s investment in people-oriented programmes and commitment to improving citizens’ welfare as key indicators of his suitability for a second term.

The APC Chairman also pledged support for Yusuf’s re-election bid, alongside that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Comrade Aremu had earlier observed that Kano State has been historically reputable for labour friendly policies which started with the first late democratically elected Governor Abubakar Rimi, who initiated first May Day in 1980, who also belonged to the People Redemption Party ( PRP) led by late No 1 labour Leader Micheal Imoudu.

In his response, Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation for the endorsement and the honour bestowed on him, pledging continued commitment to delivering meaningful development across the state.

He assured that the people of Kano would support the re-election of President Tinubu, adding that his administration would sustain efforts aimed at improving living standards.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the gratuities expressed gratitude to the Governor, with some noting that the payments had eased their financial hardship and restored hope.

In a related development, the Director General has acknowledged the growing positive impact of women in leadership in Kwara State and the country at large.

He made this known during the 2026 International Women’s Day extended celebration organised by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Women Committee, Kwara State Council, held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Labour House Hall in Ilorin.

Aremu noted that Kwara State has made significant progress in promoting gender inclusion, highlighting that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak has exceeded the 35% affirmative action benchmark for women’s representation in his cabinet.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for appointing women into key national positions within the context of Renewed Hope Agenda citing the Head of Service, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Director General of the National Pension Commission, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, and the first female Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Mrs Olugbemisola Odusote among others.

In her remarks, the Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Olufolake Abdulrazaq, emphasised that investing in women and children is essential for building thriving communities. She reiterated her foundation’s commitment to advocating against gender-based violence and addressing the underrepresentation of women in decision-making spaces.
“Women who are empowered with rights and responsibilities become catalysts for transformation within their communities,” she stated.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the NLC Women Committee in Kwara State, Comrade Victoria Agboola, in her welcome address, highlighted the global theme for this year’s celebration, “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” alongside the campaign theme, “Give to Gain.” She noted that both themes underscore the importance of collaboration and collective action in advancing gender equality.
“No woman advances alone, and no society truly progresses when half of its population is left behind,” she added.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including Dr Olufunke Mercy Shittu, Acting Head of Service, Kwara State; Comrade Saheed Olayinka, Kwara State NLC Chairman; Dr Mrs H.T. Umar, President CAILS Women in Academia; Dr Mrs Oyeleke (representing the TUC Chairperson, Comrade Bukola Olowoniyi); Dr Abdulateef Amin of the Ministry of Women Affairs; Engr Olufolake Jimoh of IBEDC; and the State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, among others.

A coalition of former agitators from the Niger Delta region has passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and formally endorsed his re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing tangible progress under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators for Good Governance, in a position statement issued on Monday, said it unanimously supports the president’s second-term bid, pointing to the expansion of the Presidential Amnesty Programme as a key indicator of inclusive governance.

The coalition noted that the programme, under the leadership of Administrator Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, PhD, has been broadened to accommodate previously undocumented, crisis-impacted, and uneducated ex-agitators who had been excluded under prior administrations.

According to the statement, over 10,000 youths have been deployed domestically for educational advancement since Otuaro assumed office, while more than 200 others have been sponsored for specialised studies abroad in fields including engineering, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.

The group also commended National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu for his backing of Otuaro’s initiatives , describing the collaboration as instrumental to the relative peace now observed across the region.

“Peace has significantly improved across the Niger Delta region,” the coalition stated, crediting Otuaro’s approach of dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and reconciliation for the shift in the security climate.

While acknowledging that challenges including socio-economic inequality and youth unemployment persist, the coalition said the current administration’s investments in skills acquisition, formal education, and job creation represent a departure from the neglect of previous years.

The group called on all stakeholders across the Niger Delta to unite behind President Tinubu, arguing that continuity in leadership would be critical to sustaining ongoing programmes and advancing what it described as transformative development for the region.

☆☆☆ As Parties Narrow Down on Candidates.
By: Special Correspondent.

With the deadline for the submission of candidates for the 2027 general elections approaches, a gale of endorsements sweeping across several states has triggered growing disquiet within political parties, with aggrieved aspirants, stakeholders and supporters raising fresh concerns over alleged imposition of candidates and the steady erosion of internal democracy.

By Hassan Taiye

Across both the ruling and opposition parties, influential political figures, governors, party leaders and interest groups have intensified endorsements of preferred aspirants for governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and state assembly positions, often ahead of formal primaries.
In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule’s open support for preferred political successor, Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada has continued to generate political discussions, with party stakeholders divided over the implications for the governorship race in the state .
Similar situations have played out in other states where incumbent governors are believed to be positioning loyalists to succeed them in 2027.
In Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno’s political body language and consultations within the ruling structure have also sparked speculations over succession plans, while in Delta State, political watchers continue to monitor Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s influence over the emerging political permutations ahead of the next governorship contest.
In Lagos State, discussions around the political structure of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and key party leaders have continued to shape conversations around succession, just as similar developments have been reported in Kaduna, Kano and Benue where powerful political blocs are already aligning behind preferred aspirants.
The wave ofAs the deadline for the submission of candidates for the 2027 general elections approaches, a gale of endorsements sweeping across several states has triggered growing disquiet within political parties, withh aggrieved aspirants, stakeholders and supporters raising fresh concerns over alleged imposition of candidates and the steady erosion of internal democracy.

By Hassan Taiye

Across both the ruling and opposition parties, influential political figures, governors, party leaders and interest groups have intensified endorsements of preferred aspirants for governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and state assembly positions, often ahead of formal primaries.
In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule’s open support for preferred political successor, Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada has continued to generate political discussions, with party stakeholders divided over the implications for the governorship race in the state .
Similar situations have played out in other states where incumbent governors are believed to be positioning loyalists to succeed them in 2027.
In Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno’s political body language and consultations within the ruling structure have also sparked speculations over succession plans, while in Delta State, political watchers continue to monitor Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s influence over the emerging political permutations ahead of the next governorship contest.
In Lagos State, discussions around the political structure of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and key party leaders have continued to shape conversations around succession, just as similar developments have been reported in Kaduna, Kano and Benue where powerful political blocs are already aligning behind preferred aspirants.
The wave of endorsements, while presented by party loyalists as strategic moves aimed at strengthening party cohesion and avoiding divisive contests, has instead generated widespread tension in many states where other aspirants view the moves as deliberate attempts to sideline them from the race.
In several states, party offices have become centres of protests, consultations and behind-the-scenes negotiations, as aspirants who feel shortchanged push back against what they describe as predetermined outcomes designed to favour political loyalists and allies of powerful office holders.
Some party members have warned that the growing trend could spark defections, parallel party structures and legal battles capable of weakening party chances ahead of the general elections.
Political observers note that endorsements are not new in Nigeria’s political landscape, but the scale and timing of the current wave have heightened anxieties, especially as many aspirants insist that only transparent primaries can guarantee fairness and party unity.
In some states, youth groups and women wings of political parties have also expressed dissatisfaction, accusing party leaders of ignoring grassroots input and reducing the selection process to elite negotiations dominated by a few power brokers.
A chieftain of one of the major political parties in the North-Central zone, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the endorsement culture was creating avoidable hostility.
“When candidates are endorsed long before primaries, it sends a message that the process is already concluded. This discourages participation and weakens confidence in the party structure,” he said.
Similarly, some civil society organisations have urged political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the integrity of the nomination process is protected to avoid voter apathy and post-primary litigations.
They argued that credible internal democracy remains the foundation for credible general elections, warning that the imposition of candidates could undermine public trust in the democratic process.
Despite the tension, party leaders defending the endorsements insist that consensus arrangements remain lawful and necessary in managing complex political interests, provided they are carried out within the framework of party constitutions and the Electoral Act.
They maintain that political realities often require negotiations and strategic alignments to preserve party stability and prevent destructive internal conflicts.
However, with the clock ticking toward candidate submission deadlines, many stakeholders believe the coming weeks will determine whether the endorsement wave will consolidate party strength or deepen internal fractures capable of reshaping the political landscape ahead of 2027. endorsements, while presented by party loyalists as strategic moves aimed at strengthening party cohesion and avoiding divisive contests, has instead generated widespread tension in many states where other aspirants view the moves as deliberate attempts to sideline them from the race.
In several states, party offices have become centres of protests, consultations and behind-the-scenes negotiations, as aspirants who feel shortchanged push back against what they describe as predetermined outcomes designed to favour political loyalists and allies of powerful office holders.
Some party members have warned that the growing trend could spark defections, parallel party structures and legal battles capable of weakening party chances ahead of the general elections.
Political observers note that endorsements are not new in Nigeria’s political landscape, but the scale and timing of the current wave have heightened anxieties, especially as many aspirants insist that only transparent primaries can guarantee fairness and party unity.
In some states, youth groups and women wings of political parties have also expressed dissatisfaction, accusing party leaders of ignoring grassroots input and reducing the selection process toj elite negotiations dominated by a few power brokers.
A chieftain of one of the major political parties in the North-Central zone, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the endorsement culture was creating avoidable hostility.
“When candidates are endorsed long before primaries, it sends a message that the process is already concluded. This discourages participation and weakens confidence in the party structure,” he said.
Similarly, some civil society organisations have urged political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the integrity of the nomination process is protected to avoid voter apathy and post-primary litigations.
They argued that credible internal democracy remains the foundation for credible general elections, warning that the imposition of candidates could undermine public trust in the democratic process.
Despite the tension, party leaders defending the endorsements insist that consensus arrangements remain lawful and necessary in managing complex political interests, provided they are carried out within the framework of party constitutions and the Electoral Act.
They maintain that political realities often require negotiations and strategic alignments to preserve party stability and prevent destructive internal conflicts.
However, with the clock ticking toward candidate submission deadlines, many stakeholders believe the coming weeks will determine whether the endorsement wave will consolidate party strength or deepen internal fractures capable of reshaping the political landscape ahead of 2027.