The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected a burgeoning recall effort against Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents the Osun East Senatorial District. The party described the individuals pushing for the recall as "anti-APC elements," suggesting they are being bankrolled by political opponents seeking to destabilize the district.
Akinyele Akintola, the Director of Contact and Mobilisation for the APC in the Ijesa South Federal Constituency, released a statement on Friday from Osogbo addressing a recent protest against Senator Fadahunsi in Ilesa. Akintola alleged that the protest was orchestrated by those who stand to lose if Fadahunsi continues his tenure and cautioned against actions that could stir up trouble in the region.
The protest itself was carried out by a group identifying as the Coalition of Youth and Students with Concerned Citizens of Osun East Senatorial District. Speaking for the group, Olatunji Olorunfemi accused Senator Fadahunsi of making statements that could incite mass violence, particularly in the lead-up to elections. He declared this protest as just the first step in a larger plan to remove the senator from office.
"This protest is the first stage of our actions," Olorunfemi stated, adding that the group has already filed a petition and is preparing to initiate the formal recall process. "We are recalling him back home. We are still going to Abuja. All the necessary lawful actions to recall him have been put together which we will start in a few days."
However, Akintola and the APC faction are pushing back hard. They highlighted Senator Fadahunsi’s track record over his seven-plus years in the Senate, pointing to significant achievements. He mentioned that the senator has facilitated employment for about 400 qualified women and youths. Akintola also listed tangible impacts in areas like education, road construction and repairs, electricity and solar power projects, ICT initiatives, and skills acquisition programs for empowerment.
Furthermore, Akintola emphasized Senator Fadahunsi's credentials, noting his impeccable service record as a High Ranking Customs Officer, which he says earned him the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) from the government. "We in APC reject call for his recall by any sponsored groups or individuals," Akintola declared.
The APC faction believes re-electing Fadahunsi would greatly benefit the Osun East Senatorial District. They highlighted his strong connections with President Bola Tinubu and heads of federal government ministries and agencies. According to Akintola, these relationships are crucial for securing more initiatives that could positively impact the lives of residents across all 10 local government areas within the district.
The senator himself has served the Osun East Senatorial District since 2019, when he was first elected to the Nigerian Senate. He ran on the platform of the APC and has been a vocal member representing the interests of his constituents. Before entering national politics, Fadahunsi had a long career in the Nigeria Customs Service, rising through the ranks and earning commendations for his service.