A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Alhaja Falilat Yusuf, popularly known as Ero-Arike, has sparked controversy after a video showed her distributing rice to residents of the state while urging them to vote for the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji
The video was shared on TikTok by Ero-Arike on Monday.
In the video, Ero-Arike was seen handing out rice packed in transparent polythene bags bearing APC stickers.
She also dressed in a customised shirt and cap bearing the APC logo and a photograph of the party’s governorship candidate, Oyebamiji.
While distributing the rice, Ero-Arike told the beneficiaries that the food was provided by Alhaja Kafayat Gboyega Oyetola, wife of a former Osun State Governor, and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
“This rice was given to you by Alhaja Kafayat Gboyega Oyetola. She told me to give you one per person, but I’ll give you two,” she said.
After distributing the food, Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to support Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, at the poll.
“Make sure to vote for Munirudeen Oyebamiji AMBO,” she said.
The APC chieftain subsequently issued a warning to those who might accept the rice or other campaign materials but vote for another candidate.
“Whoever collects this rice and doesn’t vote, his children won’t make it in life. Whoever collects our money and food and refuses to vote for us, his children won’t succeed in life,” she said.
The remarks have drawn attention because of the apparent link made between receiving campaign food and supporting a particular candidate.
The video also raises broader questions about the use of food, money and other items during election campaigns, particularly when such items are distributed alongside direct appeals for votes.
The development comes ahead of the Osun governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15.
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