Labour, Gender Issues To Shape 2027 Polls – Aremu

The Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, Comrade Issa Aremu, has said that critical labour market issues will influence how organised labour and millions of informal workers vote in the 2027 general elections.

He listed such issues to include mass decent employment, non-retrenchment, job creation, job security, regular payment of salaries, pension payments, as well as gender equity and security.

Aremu spoke at two separate labour-related functions during the week in Ilorin and Kano, respectively.

Aremu recently led the management and staff of MINILS to confer a fellowship on Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for what he described as “his commitment to the decent work agenda of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with respect to public service job creation, job security, and the payment of pension and gratuity arrears hitherto unpaid by past governors.”

He said the singular historic event pointed to labour’s endorsement of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for a second term in office.

He commended Governor Yusuf, who “has followed the footprint of progressive labour market policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with respect to increased minimum wage, clearing trillions of naira in contributory pension arrears, and non-retrenchment amid a revenue crisis.”

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.

In a related development, Aremu 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 Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Women Committee, Kwara State Council, held at the Labour House Hall in Ilorin.

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

He also acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in appointing women into key national positions within the context of the 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, Prof. 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.