Two governorship candidates in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election have withdrawn from the race and endorsed incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The candidates are Adebayo Simon Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as Fryo, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adewale announced his withdrawal on Thursday during a press conference in Osogbo, saying he arrived at the decision after consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
He said his decision was based on what he described as the need to put the interest of Osun State above personal political ambition.
“Having carefully assessed the situation, I believe Governor Adeleke Ademola deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration as recorded,” Adewale said.
He subsequently urged his supporters and members of the APM to support Adeleke’s re-election.
“This decision is about the future of Osun. Politicians should always serve the people, and today I have chosen the path that I believe will best advance peace, stability, development, and the collective interest of our state,” he added.
PDP Candidate Also Withdraws
In a separate development, the PDP governorship candidate, Adedamola Adebayo, also announced his withdrawal and endorsed Adeleke.
Adebayo made the declaration during a press briefing in Osogbo, urging PDP members and supporters to back the incumbent governor.
“I, Honourable Adedamola Adebayo, known as Fryo, hereby endorse His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election,” he said.
He also called on the PDP’s members and structure across the state to support Adeleke.
“I encourage all PDP members, supporters and structure to share this position peacefully. Support the emergence of Ademola Adeleke as the governor till 2030,” Adebayo said.
The two withdrawals come less than 48 hours before Osun State goes to the polls on Saturday, August 15.
Adeleke is contesting on the platform of the Accord Party, while Bola Oyebamiji is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Najeem Salaam is the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
