The Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) in Osun State has pledged to mobilise up to 100,000 votes for All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji in the August 15 election.
The state NHFSS chairman, Ahmed Nureni, made the pledge on Saturday during the organisation’s 12th anniversary celebration in Osogbo. He said the decision was based on Oyebamiji’s record and the support the hunters received from the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Nureni said Oyebamiji, who served as Commissioner for Finance under Oyetola, had supported the hunters during his time in government. He also credited the former administration with providing patrol vehicles and motorcycles for the organisation.
“I want to assure you that, by the grace of God, on August 15, we hunters are going to vote for APC in appreciation of your support during the reign of Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola,” Nureni said.
He claimed that the Osun command has about 14,000 members and argued that including their spouses and children could raise the number of votes the group could influence to about 100,000.
“I have up to 14,000 members, so if we add our children and wives, we are going to have up to 100,000 votes, and by the grace of God, we are going to give our votes to Oyebamiji,” he said.
Responding to the endorsement, Oyebamiji described the support as a positive sign ahead of the election. He said the backing showed that different groups and demographics across Osun State were supporting his candidacy.
Oyebamiji also urged voters to ensure the election was conducted peacefully. He said he expected to win through the support of the electorate rather than through electoral malpractice.
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, also appealed to politicians and voters to avoid violence before, during and after the election. The monarch urged all contestants to respect the democratic process and called on voters to cast their ballots peacefully.
“There is no amount of money that is worth the life of any Osun resident,” the monarch said, urging political actors to prioritise the safety and peace of the state.
