Two governorship candidates in Saturday’s Osun State 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Simon Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have withdrawn from the race and endorsed incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Adewale announced his withdrawal at a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, saying the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
He said the decision was taken in the interest of the state and was not influenced by pressure or personal considerations.
“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 he believed 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 added.
He subsequently called on his supporters and members of the APM to support Adeleke’s re-election.
The APM candidate said his decision was aimed at promoting peace, stability and development in Osun State, urging politicians to put the collective interest of the people ahead of personal ambitions.
PDP Candidate Also Withdraws
In a separate development, the PDP governorship candidate, Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as Fryo, also announced his withdrawal from the election and endorsed Adeleke.
Adebayo made the declaration during a press briefing in Osogbo, urging PDP members, supporters and the party’s structure to support 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 urged PDP members and supporters to back Adeleke’s bid to remain in office until 2030.
The two withdrawals came less than 48 hours before Saturday’s governorship election.
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 representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also published a polling-unit-by-polling-unit breakdown of collected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) on its official website.
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