Labour Unions and the Civil Society Organisation (CSO) in Bende Local Government Area have explained their decision to endorse the Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The groups gave the explanation during an endorsement meeting organised in support of Anyaso, where they highlighted what they described as the need for effective representation and protection of workers’ interests at the National Assembly.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Emeka Ugboaja said the endorsement was based not only on Anyaso’s humanitarian services to the people of Bende but also on the need to elect a representative who would actively defend the interests of workers.
Ugboaja said workers expected their representatives in the National Assembly to play meaningful roles during debates and negotiations concerning workers’ welfare, particularly issues surrounding the national minimum wage.
He said the experience surrounding the negotiation and eventual implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage had reinforced the need for workers to carefully choose representatives who would stand up for their interests.
According to him, the Labour and CSOs in Bende do not want to repeat what they consider past mistakes in choosing representatives.
“We don’t want somebody who will hide during minimum wage negotiation. We don’t want somebody who will say there is no network in Bende,” Ugboaja stated.
He added that the endorsement of Anyaso was informed by the belief that the Labour Party candidate would provide more responsive representation and ensure that the concerns of workers and constituents were adequately presented at the federal level.
The groups therefore called on the people of Bende to support candidates they believe would remain accessible, responsive and committed to defending the interests of the constituency.
