The Osun governorship race has taken another turn as two candidates, Adebayo Simon Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have withdrawn from Saturday’s election and endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Adewale announced his decision at a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, saying he reached the decision after consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
He said his choice was based on what he considered to be the best interest of Osun State rather than personal political ambition.
“This decision is about the future of Osun.”
The APM candidate said he believed Adeleke deserved another term to continue his administration’s programmes and urged his supporters and party members to back the incumbent governor.
“I hereby declare my full support for the re-election of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.”
In a separate development, PDP candidate Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as Fryo, also announced his withdrawal and endorsed Adeleke.
Adebayo made the declaration during a press briefing in Osogbo, calling on PDP members and supporters to support the governor in Saturday’s election.
“I hereby endorse His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.”
The two withdrawals come less than 48 hours before voters across Osun go to the polls. Adeleke is contesting under the Accord Party, while APC’s Bola Oyebamiji and ADC’s Najeem Salaam remain among the major contenders.
Source: Statements by APM candidate Adebayo Simon Adewale and PDP candidate Adedamola Adebayo.
