Just 48 hours before the Osun State governorship election, the political landscape has dramatically shifted as two major candidates stepped down and threw their weight behind the incumbent.
Ahead of tomorrow election in Osun State, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate, Adebayo Simon Adewale, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, Hon. Adedamola Adebayo (popularly known as Fryo), have withdrawn from the race and endorsed Senator Ademola Adeleke.
The twin announcements, made separately in Osogbo on Thursday, effectively reduce the number of frontline challengers and position Governor Adeleke, who is running under the Accord Party, as the main beneficiary of the late-hour realignment.
Addressing journalists, Adewale framed his exit as a patriotic sacrifice rather than a political surrender. He stated that his decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with party leaders, supporters, and key stakeholders across the state.
“I, Adebayo Simon Adewale, after careful assessment of the political situation, believe Governor Adeleke Ademola deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration,” Adewale declared.
He was emphatic that no external pressure influenced his choice, insisting that the interest of Osun State outweighed personal ambition.
“This decision is about the future of Osun. Today, I have chosen the path that I believe will best advance peace, stability, development, and the collective interest of our state,” he added.
Adewale urged all APM members and his supporters to cast their votes for Adeleke, calling for unity to ensure continuity in governance.
In a parallel development, the PDP candidate, Adedamola Adebayo, also withdrew from the race and aligned with the governor. During his press briefing in Osogbo, Fryo did not mince words in his endorsement.
“I, Honourable Adedamola Adebayo, known as Fryo, hereby endorse His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, ahead of the August 15 governorship election,” he announced.
He went further to call on the entire PDP structure, including party faithful and supporters, to embrace the decision peacefully and work toward Adeleke’s re-election.
“I encourage all PDP members, supporters, and structure to share this position peacefully. Support the emergence of Ademola Adeleke as the governor till 2030,” Fryo stated.
The withdrawals leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) flag bearer, Najeem Salaam, as the two remaining prominent opposition figures against Adeleke.
With the PDP and APM effectively collapsing their structures into the Accord Party camp, Governor Adeleke heads into Saturday’s poll with significant momentum and a broader coalition of support.
Meanwhile, security agencies, including the FRSC which has deployed 2,500 personnel, are on high alert to ensure a peaceful electoral process across the state.
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