The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, has said the party respects civil servants and will continue to cooperate with them in Osun State.
He also distanced the party from individuals who allegedly made derogatory remarks about civil servants in the state.
Speaking during a meeting with former Local Government Education Authority officials at his residence in Osogbo, Bashiru said those making harsh comments about workers were not speaking for the APC or reflecting its ideology.
He said civil servants remain key stakeholders in the state’s political and developmental process, noting that they are central to the party’s chances in the August 15 governorship election.
Basiru, in a video of his remarks at the meeting circulated on social media on Saturday, 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.”
He urged civil servants in the state not to be swayed by comments he described as personal opinions, insisting they do not reflect the party’s official position.
“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 said.
Bashiru also warned APC members and candidates against complacency ahead of the governorship election, urging unity, discipline and reconciliation within the party.
He called for full support for the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the poll.
The APC national secretary further urged the party’s National Assembly candidates in the 2027 elections not to focus solely on individual ambitions but to work for the party’s success in the governorship race.
He said: “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.
“Members must avoid internal conflicts and channel their energy towards ensuring the APC’s return to power in Osun.”
Political parties in Osun have intensified consultations with stakeholders ahead of the governorship election, with civil servants regarded as a key voting bloc.
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration has prioritised workers’ welfare under its five-point agenda introduced in 2022.
The APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, has also pledged improved workers’ welfare under his 7-point “PROSPER” agenda.