The New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, in Osun State has extended an invitation to former Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, urging him to join its ranks ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.
Fadahunsi, who previously represented Osun East Senatorial District under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently resigned from the party alongside Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, representing Osun Central.
Both cited persistent internal crises and unresolved legal disputes within the PDP as reasons for their exit from the party.
The Osun State Chairman of the NNPP, Tosin Odeyemi, in a statement on Thursday, encouraged Fadahunsi to consider aligning with the NNPP to continue his political journey.
Highlighting the senator’s influence and public goodwill, Odeyemi said, “Senator Fadahunsi commands respect and widespread support across Osun and beyond. We warmly invite him to the NNPP, where his experience and vision can help drive meaningful change for the people of Osun and Nigeria at large.”
Reacting to the development, a socio-cultural group, Ijesa Unite for Good Governance, described the senator’s resignation as a major loss to the PDP in Osun. The group expressed concern over what it termed a failure by the party to retain one of its key figures.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Thursday, the group’s National Coordinator, Kazeem Ibikunle, said, “It’s unfortunate that the PDP failed to retain one of its strongest pillars. Senator Fadahunsi was instrumental in revitalising the party during challenging times.”
Ibikunle added, “His dedication and sacrifices were key to the party’s resurgence and the eventual election of Governor Ademola Adeleke. His departure leaves a vacuum in the PDP’s structure.”
Both Senators Fadahunsi and Fadeyi were prominent figures in Osun PDP and played crucial roles in mobilising support for the party, particularly during the 2022 gubernatorial election that brought Governor Adeleke to power.
Their departure has sparked concerns within the PDP, especially as the state prepares for the 2026 governorship election.