Osun Governorship Poll: APM, PDP Candidates Step Down, Back Adeleke

The political landscape ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election has shifted after two candidates, Adebayo Simon Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), withdrew from the contest and declared their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Adewale announced his decision on Thursday during a press conference in Osogbo.

According to the APM candidate, he arrived at the decision after consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders, as well as a careful assessment of the state’s political situation.

“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,” Adewale said.

He explained that the decision was based on what he considered the broader interest of Osun State rather than personal political ambition or external pressure.

Adewale said he believed Adeleke should remain in office for another term to consolidate the administration’s achievements.

“Having carefully assessed the situation, I believe Governor Adeleke Ademola deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration as recorded,” he said.

The APM candidate subsequently declared his support for Adeleke and urged his supporters and party members to do the same.

“Accordingly, I hereby declare my full support for the re-election of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, and I call all my supporters, members of Allied Peoples Movement, and the good people of Osun to join me in supporting the election,” he said.

Adewale described his decision as one aimed at advancing peace, stability and development across the state.

“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 said.

Fryo Withdraws From Race

The development was followed by a similar announcement from the PDP candidate, Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as Fryo.

Adebayo announced his withdrawal and endorsement of Adeleke during a press briefing in Osogbo, urging PDP members and supporters to rally behind 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 further appealed to the PDP’s membership and structure to support Adeleke’s candidacy.

“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 withdrawals came less than two days before the August 15 governorship election.

Adeleke is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party. His major challengers include Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

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