BREAKING: Osun East Voters Petition INEC to Recall Senator Fadahunsi Over Alleged Loss of Confidence

A group of registered voters from the Osun East Senatorial District has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking the recall of Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi from the National Assembly over what they described as a loss of confidence in his representation.

In the petition addressed to the Chairman of INEC in Abuja, the petitioners said they were invoking the constitutional recall mechanism under Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, alongside applicable electoral regulations and guidelines governing the recall of members of the National Assembly.

The petitioners argued that Senator Fadahunsi’s continued representation no longer adequately reflects what they described as the expectations, interests, welfare and democratic aspirations of a significant section of the people of Osun East.

Allege Failure of Effective Representation

One of the major grounds cited by the petitioners was what they characterised as inadequate and ineffective representation of the diverse interests and needs of constituents across the senatorial district.

They argued that elected representatives are expected to articulate the concerns of their constituents at the National Assembly while pursuing legislative, developmental and constituency-focused interventions.

According to them, the level of representation under Senator Fadahunsi has fallen short of the expectations of some constituents, prompting questions over whether he still enjoys the confidence of the electorate.

Youth Empowerment

The petition also raised concerns about youth empowerment and engagement across Osun East.

The petitioners said the senatorial district has a large youth population requiring greater access to employment, entrepreneurship opportunities, skills acquisition, education, technology and financial support.

They alleged that there had been inadequate structured youth engagement and sustainable empowerment initiatives under the Senator’s representation.

They therefore called for greater attention to youth development and meaningful participation in governance.

Controversial Alleged Statement

Another major issue raised in the petition concerns a widely circulated video in which Senator Fadahunsi was allegedly heard using the word “kill” in reference to members or supporters of the Accord Party.

The petitioners described the alleged statement as serious and argued that it could undermine public confidence in a political office holder’s commitment to peaceful democratic participation and tolerance of political opposition.

However, the petition acknowledged that Senator Fadahunsi has explained that his use of the word was metaphorical, saying he was referring to defeating the Accord Party through the ballot box rather than advocating physical violence.

The petitioners nevertheless urged INEC to consider the incident, including any available evidence and relevant reports, as part of its assessment of their claim of loss of confidence.

Call for More Dividends of Democracy

The group further alleged that constituents had not received what they considered adequate dividends of democracy from the Senator’s representation.

Their concerns reportedly include constituency development, empowerment programmes, youth-oriented interventions and responsiveness to socio-economic challenges confronting residents of the senatorial district.

The petitioners, however, acknowledged that the constitutional responsibilities of a senator are primarily legislative, oversight and representative functions. They argued that effective representation should also involve strong advocacy for development, constituency engagement and interventions addressing legitimate concerns of constituents.

Petitioners Ask INEC to Begin Recall Process

The petitioners said the issues raised collectively amounted to what they described as a significant loss of confidence in Senator Fadahunsi.

They consequently called on INEC to formally receive and acknowledge the petition, verify the identities and voter status of the petitioners and authenticate their signatures or thumbprints in accordance with the applicable recall regulations.

They further requested that, should the constitutional threshold be met, the electoral commission proceed with the prescribed verification process and, where applicable, conduct the constitutionally required referendum among registered voters in Osun East Senatorial District.

The petitioners stressed that their action was being pursued through peaceful and constitutional means, insisting that they were exercising what they described as their democratic right to determine whether Senator Fadahunsi should continue to hold the mandate entrusted to him.

They also urged INEC to handle the process impartially, transparently and strictly in accordance with the law.

The petition was signed on behalf of the petitioners by Akinbode Olakolupo Oluwasegun, identified as the lead petitioner, with representatives including Alalade Bukola Felix and Hon. Suara Rafiu Akanni.

Documents listed as attachments include a register containing the names, voter identification details and signatures/thumbprints of petitioners, as well as evidence and other materials the petitioners said support their allegations.

The petition represents the position of the signatories. The allegations and claims contained in it remain subject to the verification and determination of the relevant authorities, including INEC, in accordance with Nigerian law.