The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against proceeding with its planned strike and picketing of United Bank for Africa (UBA) branches across the state over the dispute surrounding local government funds.
The party described the proposed industrial action as unnecessary and potentially disruptive, urging the labour union to pursue dialogue rather than actions that could affect businesses, residents and banking activities.
The warning followed the NLC's announcement of a three-day sympathy strike scheduled to begin at midnight on Sunday, November 8, and end at midnight on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
The union also threatened to begin peaceful picketing of UBA branches across Osun State from Thursday, November 12, if the dispute over the local government allocations remained unresolved.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, cautioned the labour leadership against carrying out the planned action.
The party argued that the dispute over local government funds should not be allowed to create further tension or disrupt economic activities in the state.
The APC also maintained that local government allocations belong to the councils and should be administered in accordance with the principles of local government financial autonomy.
It urged security agencies to take appropriate steps to prevent any breakdown of law and order during the proposed protest.
However, the NLC and other labour organisations have defended their position, arguing that the dispute over the release of local government funds has affected workers' welfare and the financial capacity of councils.
The Joint Labour Movements, comprising the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), reportedly backed the union's ultimatum and called for the outstanding issues to be addressed.
Labour representatives have argued that although the state government may be paying workers' net salaries, this does not replace the statutory allocations meant for local government administration.
The disagreement has therefore developed into a wider dispute over the management of council finances, workers' entitlements and the implementation of local government autonomy.
While the APC wants the NLC to reconsider its planned action, labour leaders maintain that their demands must be addressed to protect the interests of local government workers.
The proposed strike and bank picketing could affect public services and banking operations across Osun if both sides fail to reach an agreement before the announced dates.