Senator Francis Fadahunsi representing Osun East Senatorial District has denied allegations that he administered an oath to beneficiaries of his bursary scheme to secure their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The second-term lawmaker also dismissed claims that he collected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from youths and students in the district describing the allegations as politically motivated and unsupported by evidence.
In a statement issued through his Head of Media and Public Enlightenment Omole Omo-Osodi Fadahunsi challenged those behind the allegations including members of the Osun East Coalition of Youths and Students to provide evidence to substantiate their claims.
He maintained that the allegations were unfounded and urged those making them to present verifiable facts rather than circulate claims he said could mislead the public.
According to him ‘Our attention has been drawn to a statement by a purportedly non-partisan group alleging bursary payments PVC collection and oath-taking involving youths and students in Osun East.
‘We consider these allegations baseless unsubstantiated and potentially defamatory. While we would ordinarily not dignify what appears to be a politically motivated attempt to attract public attention we consider it necessary to set the record straight and enlighten reasonable youths students and the general public across Osun East Senatorial District.
This aptly captures what we believe to be an attempt by political actors to advance their interests through allegations they have yet to substantiate.’
He stressed that ‘Senator Francis Fadahunsi is a respected father figure leader mentor and role model whose contributions and commitment to public service continue to speak for themselves. He is not aware of nor has he authorised any such alleged bursary arrangement or oath-taking exercise as claimed by the coalition.
‘At present Senator Fadahunsi remains focused on engaging constituents across Osun East Senatorial District and mobilising support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu his own re-election bid and the success of all All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.’
He added ‘We therefore challenge the coalition to provide credible verifiable evidence to substantiate its allegations particularly the serious claim of oath-taking. The public deserves facts not unsubstantiated accusations or politically motivated narratives designed to mislead unsuspecting citizens.
He said Senator Fadahunsi remains confident in his record of service which he believes speaks volumes about his commitment to the people.