Two governorship candidates in Saturday’s Osun State election have withdrawn from the race and endorsed incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The candidates are Adebayo Simon Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as Fryo, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adewale announced his withdrawal on Thursday during a press conference in Osogbo.
He said the decision followed consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
According to him, the interest of Osun State should come before personal political ambition.
Adewale said Adeleke deserved another term to consolidate the achievements of his administration.
He urged APM members and his supporters to back the governor’s re-election.
“This decision is about the future of Osun,” he said, stressing the need for peace, stability and development in the state.
PDP Candidate Also Backs Adeleke
The PDP candidate, Adedamola Adebayo, also announced his withdrawal from the election and endorsed Adeleke.
Speaking at a separate press briefing in Osogbo, Adebayo called on PDP members and supporters across the state to support the incumbent governor.
“I hereby endorse His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election,” he said.
He also urged the PDP structure across the state to support Adeleke’s bid to remain governor until 2030.
The withdrawals come less than 48 hours before Osun voters head to the polls on Saturday.
Adeleke is contesting under the Accord Party, while Bola Oyebamiji is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Najeem Salaam is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate in the election.
