The meeting was convened to deliberate on the demands of senators and House of Representatives members seeking return tickets ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sources who spoke with The Nation said both governors stayed away due to unresolved political considerations in Kwara and Ogun States.

In Kwara, AbdulRazaq is said to be advocating for the governorship ticket to be zoned to Kwara North Senatorial District. However, power blocs within the APC and the Presidency are reportedly backing Kwara Central due to its stronger voting strength.

A source explained, “The governor wants to produce his successor from Kwara North, and he is also desirous of the Kwara Central Senatorial District ticket. The party is ready to concede the senatorial slot to him, but the governorship ticket is for Kwara Central in order to checkmate the resurgence of the political influence of a former President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki.

“Also, the party cannot underrate the voting strength of Sen. Saliu Mustapha, who is presently representing Kwara Central District.”

The source further noted that other APC governorship hopefuls from Kwara Central include the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman; former ACN governorship candidate, Dele Belgore (SAN); ex-senator, Dr Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe; and businessman, Dr Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki.

Ogun East Ticket Controversy

In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun and former governor Gbenga Daniel are reportedly at odds over the Ogun East senatorial ticket ahead of 2027.

A source said the disagreement followed the reported allocation of the governorship ticket to Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

According to the source, “Having conceded the governorship slot to Sen. Solomon Adeola Yayi, the governor felt he should not be denied an opportunity to be a Senator.

“Daniel is determined to return to the Senate. He said Abiodun has emerged as the consensus APC aspirant of the district in a kangaroo manner.”

Meanwhile, reports indicated that both governors travelled to France for separate meetings with President Bola Tinubu.

However, a source close to the situation claimed AbdulRazaq’s absence from the APC meeting was due to ill health.

“The message we got from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was that he was sick and he travelled abroad,” the source said.

Tinubu made the declaration in his goodwill message to workers during the May Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja.

He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who said the twin problems of insecurity and poverty continue to weaken livelihoods and undermine economic confidence across the country.

According to him, both issues have become major barriers to national development and the welfare of workers.

He stated, “There cannot be decent work where workers fear for their lives or where wages cannot feed a family.”

The President aligned his remarks with the global May Day theme focused on the Decent Work Agenda of the International Labour Organisation, describing it not just as an international principle but a national necessity tied to his administration’s vision of rewarding hard work and expanding opportunities.

Tinubu said his government has introduced several measures aimed at addressing insecurity while also creating jobs.

He noted that the Community Protection Guards Initiative has created employment for about 45,000 young Nigerians, while also strengthening community security.

He further explained that the expanded cash transfer programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda has reached approximately 15 million vulnerable households, helping about 7.5 million Nigerians rise above poverty levels.

The President also highlighted major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, which he said have collectively generated over 600,000 jobs nationwide.

Agro-Rangers Deployed Across 19 States

Tinubu said ongoing policies in agriculture, infrastructure, small business support, and social protection are aimed at driving inclusive growth.

He pointed to initiatives like the National Agricultural Growth Scheme–Agro-pocket, dry season farming programmes, mechanisation efforts, and post-harvest management projects as steps boosting food security and rural employment.

He also disclosed that 10,000 Agro-Rangers deployed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps across 19 states are helping to protect farmers and agricultural investments from bandit attacks.

On workers’ welfare, Tinubu said his administration has introduced a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears, and reintroduced gratuity payments starting January 2026.

He added that over 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled in the micro pension scheme, while small and medium enterprises are benefiting from a ₦200 billion support fund.

The President urged the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to prioritise dialogue and avoid unnecessary strikes.

“Strike should be the last resort, not the first,” he said.

He also commended security agencies for their sacrifices, noting that improved security is vital to economic growth and job creation.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, stating, “Your welfare remains a priority. We are committed to improving working conditions, promoting fair wages, and ensuring dignity, safety, and equal opportunity for every Nigerian worker.”

Labour Minister Commends Workers

In a separate address, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, described Nigerian workers as the backbone of the nation.

He said May Day serves not only as a celebration of workers’ contributions but also as a reminder of ongoing challenges.

Dingyadi acknowledged rising living costs and insecurity but assured that the government remains committed to wage reforms and job creation.

He noted that the recently implemented minimum wage is part of broader efforts to ensure fair and decent earnings for workers, while also promising continued collaboration with states and labour unions to ensure full compliance.