Two candidates in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, Adebayo Simon Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have withdrawn from the race and endorsed the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.
Adewale announced his withdrawal at a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, saying the decision followed consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
The APM candidate said he chose to withdraw in the interest of the state, rather than pursue his personal political ambition.
“I, Adebayo Simon Adewale, the governorship candidate of Allied Peoples Movement in Osun governorship election 2026, after deep reflection and extensive consultation with party leaders, supporters and stakeholders, have decided to withdraw from the Osun State governorship election,” he said.
Adewale said his decision was based on his assessment of the political situation in the state and was not influenced by pressure or personal interests.
He said Adeleke deserved another term to consolidate what he described as the achievements of his administration.
“Having carefully assessed the situation, I believe Governor Adeleke Ademola deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration as recorded,” he said.
He subsequently urged his supporters and members of the APM to support Adeleke’s re-election, saying the decision was intended to promote peace, stability and development in the state.
In a separate development, the PDP governorship candidate, Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as Fryo, also announced his withdrawal and endorsed Adeleke.
Adebayo made the announcement during a press briefing in Osogbo, where he urged PDP members, supporters and the party’s structure 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 PDP members and supporters to support Adeleke’s bid to remain governor until 2030.
The withdrawals occurred less than 48 hours before the governorship election, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 15.
Adeleke is contesting the election 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).
