Osun election: Two candidates step down for Adeleke
Two candidates in the Osun governorship election, Adebayo Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have withdrawn from the contest and declared support for Ademola Adeleke, the incumbent governor.
Adewale disclosed his decision at a press conference on Thursday, saying it followed “deep reflection and extensive consultation” with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the decision was driven neither by pressure nor personal interest, but by his resolve to prioritise the interests of Osun over his political ambition.
“This decision is not born out of pressure or personal interest; rather, it is a conscious choice to place the interest of Osun above personal ambition,” he said.
Adewale said his assessment of the political situation in the state led him to the conclusion that Adeleke should be given another term to build on his 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.
He also called on his supporters and APM members to support the governor’s re-election.
“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.
According to him, the decision was informed by his conviction that Adeleke’s return to office would support peace, stability and development in 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.
PDP candidate also backs Adeleke
Adedamola Adebayo, the PDP candidate, has also withdrawn from the election and endorsed Adeleke ahead of Saturday’s poll.
He made the announcement 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.
Adebayo called on PDP members, supporters and the party’s structure to support Adeleke.
“I encourage all PDP members, supporters and structure to share this position peacefully. Support the emergence of Ademola Adeleke as the governor till 2030,” he said.
The two withdrawals occurred only hours before the Osun governorship election.
Adeleke is contesting under the Accord platform, while Bola Oyebamiji is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Najeem Salaam represents the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
