Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has strongly rebuked APC senatorial aspirant Thomas Ogungbangbe over an alleged claim that the Senate seat had been handed over to him ahead of the 2027 election.

In a statement issued by Omole Oluwasegun Omo-Osodi, Head of Media and Public Enlightenment to the senator, Ogungbangbe was accused of making what was described as a false and careless declaration during a recent APC women leaders’ rally in Ijebu-Jesa.

According to the statement, the APC aspirant reportedly told supporters in Yoruba: “Emi ni incoming Senator, Baba wa Fadahunsi ti gbele mi lọwọ,” meaning, “I am the incoming Senator, Senator Fadahunsi has handed over to me.”

Fadahunsi’s camp dismissed the claim as misleading, insisting there had never been any meeting or discussion between the senator and Ogungbangbe regarding such ambition.

The statement further demanded an immediate public apology from Ogungbangbe, warning him against using the senator’s name to gain what it described as cheap political attention.

It added that Senator Fadahunsi remains fully in the race and is determined to return to the Senate in 2027.

“Distinguished Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi OFR is running again and, by God’s grace, will return to the Senate to continue representing Osun East,” the statement said.