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Adebayo Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — have withdrawn from the race and endorsed Ademola Adeleke, the incumbent governor.

Adewale announced his withdrawal at a press conference on Thursday, stating that his decision 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.

Adewale said the decision was not motivated by pressure or personal interest, but by his desire to put Osun’s interests above his personal 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.

The politician added that he assessed the political situation in the state and concluded that Adeleke deserves another term to consolidate what he described as 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.

Adewale subsequently urged his supporters and members of the APM to back the 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 added that his decision was based on his belief that Adeleke’s re-election would promote 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 in the election, also stepped down and endorsed Adeleke ahead of Saturday’s poll.

He spoke 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 urged PDP members, supporters and the party’s structure to throw their weight behind 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 come just hours before the Osun governorship election.

Adeleke is running on the Accord party platform, Bola Oyebamiji is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Najeem Salaam is flying the flag of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).