Key Takeaways
- 10,000 female canvassers, "Akoni Obinrin," launched in Osun State.
- Led by Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola to support Bola Oyebamiji (APC governorship candidate) and President Tinubu's 2027 re-election.
- Canvassers will educate voters across 3,763 polling units to prevent voided ballots.
- Solidarity walk held in Osogbo to raise public awareness.
- Aims to boost women's participation and revitalize Osun's economy.
The political landscape of Osun State is intensely active as the August 15 governorship election approaches. In a strategic move to galvanize grassroots support, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has inaugurated a formidable network of 10,000 female canvassers. This extensive mobilization effort aims to secure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, while simultaneously laying groundwork for President Bola Tinubu's re-election campaign in 2027.
The "Akoni Obinrin" Initiative Takes Center Stage
Operating under the banner of "Akoni Obinrin," meaning "Brave Women," this newly formed coalition represents a significant push to engage women at the very heart of the electoral process. The initiative's launch was marked by a vibrant solidarity walk through key areas of Osogbo, including MDS, Station Road, Fagbewesa, Ola-Iya, and Aregbe, culminating at the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office in Ogo-Oluwa. This public display served to amplify awareness and demonstrate the group's widespread presence across the state.
Dual Mandate: Gubernatorial and Presidential Support
Speaking to journalists, Mrs. Oyetola articulated the dual mandate of the "Akoni Obinrin" group: to rally robust support for Mr. Oyebamiji, known as AMBO, and to serve as a crucial vehicle for President Tinubu's anticipated re-election bid in 2027. She expressed profound confidence in Oyebamiji's leadership, citing his extensive experience in both private and public sectors as ideal preparation for governorship. The group boasts an impressive organizational structure, with coordinators in all 62 local council areas and a presence across the state’s 3,763 polling units, bolstered by grassroots women opinion leaders. Canvassers will also meticulously educate voters on correct ballot casting for the APC, aiming to prevent voided votes and maximize electoral advantage.
A Call for Women's Participation and State Revitalization
Echoing Mrs. Oyetola's sentiments, Mrs. Sekinat Oyebamiji, wife of the APC governorship candidate, highlighted the solidarity walk's purpose in fostering greater participation among women in the electoral process, vital for both the current governorship election and President Tinubu's future political aspirations. Mr. Bola Oyebamiji himself lauded the women's initiative, describing it as a "Walk to Win.