Ogun 2027: No One Can Silence Transport Workers Over Yayi’s Endorsement — Oladele
ABEOKUTA – The Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Ogun State APC Presidential and Governorship Campaign Council, Hon. Kayode Oladele, has commended the endorsement of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election by transport unions, declaring that organized groups have the constitutional right to support candidates of their choice.
Oladele, a lawyer former member of the House of Representatives described the endorsement, announced at a well-attended gathering at Ake Palace, Abeokuta, on Thursday, as a significant expression of grassroots confidence in Adeola’s leadership and development record.
He said Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantee freedom of expression and association, including the right of citizens to express political preferences within the law.
“Transport workers are not second-class citizens or political spectators. They are Nigerians with legitimate interests in who governs them and how government policies affect their livelihoods.
“They have every right to support candidates whose leadership qualities, programs and records of performance they consider beneficial to their members and society,” Oladele stated.
He maintained that trade unions, transport associations and other organized groups could lawfully express political preferences through their legitimate structures.
“Democracy does not require trade unions or professional associations to remain politically neutral. What democracy requires is respect for the law, freedom of choice and tolerance of differing political opinions.
Oladele said the transport unions’ endorsement of Adeola was particularly significant given the senator’s investments in road infrastructure and other development projects across Ogun State.
According to him, transport operators are among the greatest beneficiaries of improved road networks and are therefore well-positioned to assess the impact of infrastructure development on economic activities.
“These are people who use our roads every day. They understand the difference between political promises and completed projects. They know what good roads mean to their businesses, vehicles, passengers and daily earnings.
The APC chieftain cited several road projects undertaken by Senator Yayi across Ogun State’s three senatorial districts as a fundamental reason the transport unions consider him their preferred candidate.
Taking a swipe at the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oladele contrasted what he described as Adeola’s visible achievements with the criticisms coming from the opposition.
“Unlike the PDP candidate who is busy criticizing everything associated with Yayi, Senator Yayi has established a record of performance that can be independently assessed. His projects are visible and their benefits are being experienced by ordinary citizens.
Oladele dismissed suggestions that organized associations should refrain from endorsing political candidates, insisting that such positions were inconsistent with democratic principles.
“Political endorsements do not become unconstitutional simply because they are inconvenient to the opposition.
He expressed confidence that Adeola’s development record would continue to attract support from different segments of Ogun State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“The transport unions have expressed their preference and that decision deserves respect.
Democracy is about freedom of choice, not the imposition of political preferences. Nobody has the constitutional authority to silence transport workers simply because they have chosen to support Senator Yayi,” Oladele declared.
