The political landscape of Osun East witnessed a major shift as Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing the senatorial district, formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring a new political direction aimed at advancing development across the Ife/Ijesa axis.
Addressing supporters and stakeholders, the two-term lawmaker described the decision as a defining moment driven by the need for renewed political alignment, equitable representation, and stronger collaboration to accelerate regional progress.
Speaking on behalf of National Assembly members from the district, Fadahunsi expressed gratitude to God and the people of Osun East for the confidence reposed in him over the past six years, noting that the announcement marked a period of reflection and renewal.
“We are at a moment of reflection, gratitude and renewal,” he said. “Today, I stand before you to announce a break from the past and to share a decision that will shape the road ahead.”
The senator explained that his move was motivated by the desire to deepen partnerships capable of delivering sustainable development for the district. He recalled that when he first sought office, public confidence in political leadership was low, adding that his campaign slogan, “Tomorrow Is Here,” resonated with constituents eager for measurable change.
According to him, the transformation recorded across Osun East demonstrates the collective faith of the people in purposeful leadership.
Among key achievements highlighted was the ongoing dualisation of the Akure–Ilesa–Ife–Ibadan Expressway, which he described as evidence of the infrastructure commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Osun State and the wider region.
He also cited more than 700 kilometres of paved rural roads, improved water supply systems, and the establishment of major federal institutions, including the Federal University of Agriculture, Iragbiji, and the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun.
In the health sector, Fadahunsi referenced ongoing and proposed interventions such as an Orthopedic Hospital in Obokun, a School of Nursing in Ijebu-Jesa, and a Federal Medical Centre in Ilesa, alongside multimillion-naira medical equipment support for public hospitals.
“These milestones reflect a government that values human lives and prioritises sustainable development,” he stated.
While acknowledging the PDP for providing the platform under which he contested and won election, the senator noted that leadership sometimes requires difficult decisions.
“For years, Osun East stood firmly behind the PDP, shaping its success. Yet, our voices were too often disregarded when it mattered most,” he said.
He emphasized that the defection was a collective decision involving National Assembly members, former state officials, and a majority of party executives across the district, stressing that the move was not driven by resentment but by the pursuit of fairness and regional advancement.
“This is not a whimsical decision. It is about fairness, respect and integrity. It is about aligning Osun’s destiny with the broader reforms shaping our nation,” he added.
Fadahunsi described President Tinubu as “a partner in purpose,” pointing to federal initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme aimed at empowering communities across Nigeria’s electoral wards.
He acknowledged that policies including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification posed short-term challenges but argued they were necessary steps toward long-term economic stability.
“These are smart choices that free resources for investment in our people,” he said, adding that Osun State must align with forward-looking reforms to maximize development opportunities.
In a decisive political declaration, the senator and his supporters endorsed President Tinubu for a second term, citing improvements in infrastructure development, national security efforts, and economic stabilization.
Assuring constituents that ongoing projects across Osun East would continue uninterrupted, Fadahunsi urged political leaders to prioritise service above personal interests.
“To the political elite, our people are watching. Leadership must be about service, not self. Principles—not personalities—must guide us,” he cautioned.
Addressing residents directly, he added: “This is not a detour but a conscious step toward a more compelling future. Let us gather with renewed hope to build the Osun and the Nigeria that our children deserve.”
The announcement signaled a significant political realignment in Osun East and is expected to reshape the political dynamics of the district as preparations gradually build toward future electoral contests.
