With just one day to the Osun Governorship election, two governorship candidates, Adebayo Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have withdrawn from the race and endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Adewale announced his withdrawal on Thursday, saying he arrived at the decision after consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
He said his decision was based on the need to put the interest of Osun State above his personal ambition.
“Having carefully assessed the situation, I believe Governor Adeleke Ademola deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration as recorded,” he said.
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Adewale subsequently urged his supporters and members of the APM to support Adeleke in Saturday’s election.
He said he believed the governor’s re-election would promote peace, stability and development in the state.
PDP Candidate Also Steps Down
Adebayo, popularly known as Fryo, also announced his withdrawal and endorsement of Adeleke during a press briefing in Osogbo.
“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 called on PDP members, supporters and the party’s structure to support Adeleke and ensure his return to office.
The two withdrawals come a day before the Osun governorship election.
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 representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.