By Sandra Kenneth
In a major political shift less than 48 hours before the Osun State governorship election, two candidates have officially withdrawn from the race to throw their support behind incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Adebayo Simon Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo—popularly known as Fryo—of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced their decisions in separate press conferences in Osogbo on Thursday.
Announcing his withdrawal, Adewale stated that his decision followed deep reflections and extensive consultations with APM leaders, supporters, and key stakeholders across the state.
“I, Adebayo Simon Adewale… after deep reflection and extensive consultation, have decided to withdraw from the Osun State governorship election,” he declared. “Having carefully assessed the situation, I believe Governor Adeleke deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration.”
Adewale emphasized that his withdrawal was uncoerced, framing it as a choice to prioritize the peace, stability, and development of Osun State over personal political ambitions. He urged all APM members and his general constituency to mobilize support for Adeleke’s re-election bid.
PDP Candidate Aligns with Incumbent
In a matching development, PDP flagbearer Adedamola Adebayo urged his party’s structure and loyalists to unite behind the incumbent governor ahead of Saturday’s ballot.
“I encourage all PDP members, supporters, and structure to share this position peacefully,” Adebayo stated during his briefing. “Support the emergence of Ademola Adeleke as governor till 2030.”
The last-minute realignments narrow the field significantly ahead of the poll, where Adeleke is running under the platform of the Accord Party.
Despite the withdrawals, Adeleke still faces formidable competition in Saturday’s race, principally from Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
