Osun 2026: APM, PDP candidates withdraw, endorse Gov Adeleke

Two candidates contesting the Osun State governorship election — Adebayo Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — have withdrawn from the race and thrown their support behind incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Adewale announced his decision at a press conference on Thursday, explaining that 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 stressed that the decision was not influenced by pressure or personal interests but was driven by his desire to prioritise the interests of Osun State 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 he had carefully considered the political situation in the state and concluded that Adeleke deserved another term to build on 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 said.

He subsequently called on his supporters and members of the APM to support the incumbent 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,” he said.

He explained that his decision was motivated by his conviction that Adeleke’s return to office would contribute to peace, stability and development across 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 endorses Adeleke

Adedamola Adebayo, the PDP candidate in the election, has also withdrawn from the contest and endorsed Adeleke ahead of Saturday’s election.

He announced his decision 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 also called on PDP members, supporters and the party’s structures 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 withdrawals occurred just hours before the Osun State governorship election.

Adeleke is contesting 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).