The political atmosphere in Osun East took on renewed momentum yesterday as the two-term Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi representing the district formally announced a new chapter in his political journey, pledging strengthened collaboration and broader alignment to advance the Ife/Ijesa development agenda.
Speaking on behalf of National Assembly members from the district, the Senator expressed deep gratitude to God and the people of Osun East for the confidence reposed in him over the past six years.
Announcing his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Osun East Senator explained that his decision was driven by the need for renewed alignment, equitable representation, and strategic partnerships to further advance the Ife/Ijesa Agenda.
“We are at a moment of reflection, gratitude and renewal,” he declared. “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 noted that when he first sought office, the state was at a crossroads, with public confidence in political leadership at a low ebb. He recalled that his campaign mantra, “Tomorrow Is Here,” resonated strongly with constituents who were eager for tangible change.
According to him, the transformation recorded across the district stands as proof of that shared faith.
Among the key achievements highlighted was the ongoing dualisation of the Akure-Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan Expressway, which he described as a testament to the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to infrastructure development in Osun State.
He also listed over 700 kilometres of paved rural roads, restored water supply systems, and major federal institutions such as the Federal University of Agriculture, Iragbiji, and the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun.
In the health sector, he referenced the proposed Orthopedic Hospital in Obokun, the School of Nursing in Ijebu-Jesa, and the Federal Medical Centre in Ilesa, alongside multimillion-naira medical equipment interventions in public hospitals.
“These milestones reflect a government that values human lives and prioritises sustainable development,” he said.
While expressing appreciation to the PDP for providing the platform under which he contested and won election, the Senator stated that leadership sometimes requires “difficult but necessary 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 noted.
Describing the move as a collective decision involving members of the National Assembly, former state government officials, and a majority of party executives, he emphasized that the defection was not driven by resentment but by a desire for equitable partnership and regional progress.
“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 said.
The Senator described President Tinubu as “a partner in purpose” committed to bold and transformative reforms. He referenced key federal initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, designed to empower millions of Nigerians across the country’s electoral wards.
He acknowledged that policies such as fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification were challenging but necessary steps toward long-term economic stability.
“These are smart choices that free resources for investment in our people,” he stated, adding that Osun State must align with forward-looking reforms to maximize development opportunities.
In a decisive political declaration, the Senator and his supporters unequivocally endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in office, commending what he described as improvements in infrastructure, national security, and economic stabilization.
He assured constituents that ongoing projects in Osun East would not be abandoned and that progress would continue uninterrupted.
“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 said: “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 signals a major political realignment in Osun East and sets the stage for heightened political activity ahead of future electoral contests.
