Osun: Sen. Fadahunsi, Four Other National Assembly Members Defect to APC

Osun: Sen. Fadahunsi, Four Other National Assembly Members Defect to APC

Five members of the National Assembly from Osun State, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Saturday formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors are Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (Osun East), Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central), Omirin Olusanya (Ijesa South Federal Constituency), Wole Oke (Ijesa North Federal Constituency) and Taofeek Ajilesoro (Ife Central Federal Constituency). They were received into the APC alongside thousands of their supporters at a gathering in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, described the defection as a major boost for the party in the state. He said the APC remained a united platform and expressed confidence that the new entrants would strengthen efforts to reclaim Osun in the 2026 governorship election.

Oyetola also commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that ongoing reforms had laid a solid foundation for economic growth and national development. He urged party members to mobilise at the grassroots ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship poll and the 2027 presidential election.

The Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, said the entry of the lawmakers would further consolidate the party’s structure across the state. He assured the new members of equal opportunities within the party, regardless of when they joined.

Similarly, the APC governorship candidate in the state, Bola Oyebamiji, called for unity among party leaders and supporters as preparations intensify for the 2026 and 2027 elections. He said the defection signalled growing momentum for the APC and renewed commitment to accountable and inclusive governance.

In his remarks, Senator Fadahunsi said the decision to leave the PDP followed extensive consultations with political associates and stakeholders across Osun East. He expressed appreciation to his constituents for their support over the years and described the move as a collective decision taken in the interest of the district and the state.

Fadahunsi noted that while the PDP provided the platform on which he and his colleagues were elected, evolving political realities necessitated a new alignment. According to him, the decision was driven by the need to secure stronger collaboration at the federal level and advance developmental priorities for Osun State, particularly in Osun East.

He cited ongoing federal infrastructure and education projects in the region as signs of renewed attention to the state and pledged continued commitment to effective representation under the APC platform.

The defection marks a significant political shift in Osun State ahead of the forthcoming electoral cycle.