Osun Governorship Election: Hunters Mobilise 100,000 Votes for APC’s Bola Oyebamiji
Osun Governorship Election: Hunters Mobilise 100,000 Votes for APC’s Bola Oyebamiji
The Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) in Osun State has pledged to mobilise no fewer than 100,000 votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The hunters announced their support for Oyebamiji during the 12th anniversary celebration of the organisation in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, as political activities gather momentum ahead of the highly anticipated poll.
Osun State Chairman of the NHFSS, Ahmed Nureni, said the organisation’s decision to back the APC candidate was based on what he described as Oyebamiji’s longstanding relationship with hunters and his contributions to strengthening their operations while serving in government.
Nureni recalled that during the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, when Oyebamiji served as Commissioner for Finance, hunters and local security operatives received support aimed at improving their capacity to protect communities across the state.
According to him, the organisation benefited from patrol vehicles, motorcycles and other forms of logistical assistance that enhanced the movement and effectiveness of its members in tackling security challenges.
He maintained that Oyebamiji had demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operations of hunters over the years, saying members considered it appropriate to reciprocate the support by rallying behind his governorship ambition.
Nureni disclosed that the hunters’ organisation has about 14,000 members spread across communities in Osun State. He expressed confidence that members, together with their families, friends and supporters, could generate at least 100,000 votes for Oyebamiji.
He said the organisation would intensify grassroots mobilisation across the state ahead of the election, urging members and their associates to turn out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.
Reacting to the endorsement, Oyebamiji expressed appreciation to the hunters for their support and confidence in his candidacy.
The APC governorship candidate described the development as an indication of growing support for his ambition across different groups and communities in Osun State.
Oyebamiji expressed optimism about his chances at the polls and called on residents to participate peacefully in the electoral process, stressing the importance of maintaining peace before, during and after the election.
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, who also spoke at the event, appealed to politicians and their supporters to avoid violence and inflammatory actions capable of threatening the peace of Osun State.
The traditional ruler urged political actors to place the safety and stability of the state above partisan considerations, noting that elections should provide citizens with an opportunity to freely choose their preferred leaders without intimidation or violence.
The hunters’ declaration represents another significant endorsement for Oyebamiji as the APC intensifies its grassroots campaign ahead of the Osun governorship election.
With the August 15 election approaching, political parties and their candidates are expected to step up engagements with voters, community leaders, professional organisations and grassroots groups as the battle for the Osun Government House enters its decisive stage.
