THE All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Oyo State  has alerted its members on the existence of ``political farmers.’’

The Secretary, Oyo State Election Planning Committee, Mr Abisoye Olajire, said AFAN was aware that some faceless individuals with political motives had been claiming to represent farmers.

Olajire urged the government, private institutions and members of the public in the state to be wary of such ``political farmers’’ so as not to be duped.

He said that only AFAN was recognised as legally representing farmers’ interests and warned against the dangers of dealing with political farmers or their representatives.

``The political farmers or their representatives have been staining the respected esteem of which true farmers are held in our communities, especially in Oyo State.

``People should wake up to the fact that Nigeria’s agriculture is being done more harm than good if such politically motivated farmers are accorded recognition over genuine farmers,’’ Olajire said.

On the election, the scribe urged members from the 33 Local Government Areas to remain united and elect credible leaders in the June polls.

Olajire also maintained that there was only one AFAN in the state led by Mr Emmanuel Elegbede.

He also dismissed speculations that the association held an election earlier, saying the upcoming poll was the only one to be held after approval was secured from the national secretariat.

Olajire said that for now, following the dissolution of the state executive as required by AFAN’s Constitution as pre-condition for the election, only the 33 local government branches existed for now.

He assured that the body would intensify publicity for the election as required to mobilise members for the poll.