Two candidates in the August 15 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Simon Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have withdrawn from the race and endorsed the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.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 on Thursday, saying the decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultation” with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
He said the decision was not motivated by pressure or personal interest, but by a determination to prioritise the interests of Osun State above his personal 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, I have decided to withdraw from the Osun State governorship election.”
Adewale said his assessment of the political situation in the state convinced him that Adeleke deserved another term to consolidate 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 subsequently declared his support for Adeleke’s re-election and urged his supporters, members of the APM and other residents of the state to back the governor.
“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.”
Adewale said his decision was aimed at advancing peace, stability, development and the collective interests of 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.”
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, where he called on 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 urged members and supporters of the PDP to peacefully align with his decision and support Adeleke’s bid to remain in office until 2030.
“I encourage all PDP members, supporters and structure to share this position peacefully. Support the emergence of Ademola Adeleke as the governor till 2030.”
The withdrawals come less than 24 hours before the Osun governorship election, significantly altering the political landscape ahead of Saturday’s poll.
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) is scheduled to conduct the election across the state on Saturday, August 15, 2026
