By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

No fewer than 8,000 hunters under the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), Osun State chapter, have declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, citing the need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

The group also endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State.

The endorsement was announced during a meeting between the hunters and APC leaders at the Tinubu/Shettima campaign office in Osogbo.

The group appealed to President Tinubu to assent to the proposed “Hunters Bill,” recently passed by the 10th National Assembly, noting that it would enhance the role of local security outfits in combating terrorism and banditry.

Speaking on behalf of Oyebamiji, the Executive Director of Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Engr. Remi Omowaiye, expressed concern over what he described as a worsening security situation in the state.

He alleged that since the APC left office in 2022, incidents of killings, kidnappings, and communal clashes had increased, citing crises in Ifon, Ilobu, Erin, and other communities.

Omowaiye also criticized the current administration, claiming that the Amotekun Corps had been politicized and that previously employed teachers and health workers were dismissed without replacement.

“Security is a collective responsibility and should not be politicized. We assure you that if Oyebamiji is elected, your group will be integrated into the state’s security framework,” he said.

The state coordinator of the hunters, Hammed Nurein, moved the motion for the endorsement of Tinubu and Oyebamiji, which was unanimously supported by members.

Addressing journalists, Nurein reaffirmed the group’s commitment, stating, “We are declaring our total support for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 and for Bola Oyebamiji in 2026. With over 8,000 members in Osun State, we have resolved to back them.”

He reiterated the call for presidential assent to the Hunters Bill, stressing its importance in addressing insecurity nationwide.

In a related remark, a former Senior Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs and Social Mobilisation in the state, Kehinde Ayantunji, urged APC supporters to mobilize effectively for the upcoming election.

“Let us work hard to secure victory in 2026. Everyone must play their part to ensure success at the polls,” he said.