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Senator Francis Fadahunsi represents the Osun East senatorial district in the Senate. In this interview, he speaks on his political journey, his record in the National Assembly, the controversies surrounding some of his public statements, governance, the 2027 elections, and the state of the nation.
You have been described by some people as a politician who sometimes takes positions that appear undemocratic. How do you react to that?
I completely disagree with that description. I am a die-hard democrat. I believe in democracy, freedom of expression, the rule of law, and the right of every Nigerian to hold a different opinion. People are entitled to their views about me, but I will not allow what they say to erase my political history. Those who know me very well know that I have always believed that power belongs to the people.
What makes you describe yourself as a die-hard democrat?
My political journey speaks for me. I have participated in elections, accepted victories and defeats, worked with people who disagreed with me, and defended the right of others to express their opinions. Democracy is not about agreeing with everybody. It is about creating a system in which disagreement is allowed, and people can pursue their political interests without violence or intimidation.
But some of your comments have generated controversy. Do you sometimes regret the things you say?
I am a politician, but I am also a human being. Sometimes, when you speak passionately about an issue, people may interpret your words differently from what you intended.
I accept responsibility for my words, but I will not accept a situation in which a single statement is used to define my entire political career. People should look at my record as a whole.
Are you saying your critics are deliberately misrepresenting you?
Some may be, while others may simply have a different interpretation of my actions or statements. I don’t lose sleep over that. In politics, people will praise you today and criticise you tomorrow. What is important is that you remain true to your principles and do not allow criticism to make you abandon what you believe is right.
What are the democratic principles you strongly believe in?
I believe in free and fair elections, respect for the Constitution, separation of powers, freedom of speech, accountability, and the right of citizens to choose their leaders. I also believe that elected officials must listen to the people. Once you occupy public office, you are not there to serve only your political party or your friends. You are there to serve the people.
Do you think Nigerian politicians genuinely believe in democracy?
There are politicians who genuinely believe in democracy, and there are others who see politics simply as a means of acquiring power. We should not put everybody in the same category.
But our democratic institutions still need strengthening. Political parties must become more democratic internally, elections must be more credible, and institutions responsible for enforcing the rules must be allowed to work independently.
You have been in the National Assembly. Do you think the legislature is sufficiently independent of the executive?
The legislature must maintain its independence. Cooperation between the executive and the legislature is necessary for governance, but such cooperation should not entail surrendering the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibilities. The legislature must scrutinise government policies, approve budgets, conduct oversight, and ask questions where necessary. That is how democracy is supposed to function.
What is your biggest concern about Nigerian democracy today?
My biggest concern is that poverty and economic hardship can weaken democratic participation. When people are struggling to feed their families, they can easily become vulnerable to political manipulation. We must build a society where citizens are economically empowered to make political choices based on conviction rather than on immediate financial inducements.
Do you think money has become too powerful in Nigerian politics?
Yes, and that is one of the major problems confronting our democracy. Politics has become unnecessarily expensive. When the cost of seeking elective office becomes too high, you discourage people with good intentions but limited resources from participating. We must find ways of reducing the influence of money in our electoral process.
What should Nigerians expect from politicians as we approach 2027?
They should expect politicians to present ideas rather than insults, programmes rather than empty promises, and solutions rather than excuses. Nigerians should also ask candidates questions. They should examine their records and character. Don’t vote for somebody simply because he belongs to your party or because he gives you money during an election.
What would you say to those who believe you have become too outspoken in your political interventions?
I would tell them that democracy requires people who are willing to speak. If I see something that I believe is wrong, I will express my opinion.
Being outspoken does not make somebody undemocratic. In fact, democracy becomes stronger when citizens and politicians can disagree openly without resorting to violence.
How do you want history to judge you?
I want history to judge me fairly. I don’t expect everybody to agree with me, and I don’t expect everybody to like me. But I want people to look at my entire political journey. I am a die-hard democrat. Forget what people are saying. Look at my record, look at my contributions, and look at the principles I have consistently defended. At the end of the day, what matters is not the noise around you but the legacy you leave behind.
