Two governorship candidates in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, Adebayo Simon Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have withdrawn from the race and endorsed the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Adewale announced his withdrawal at a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, saying the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.

The APM candidate said he chose to withdraw in the interest of the state, rather than pursue personal political ambition.

He said, “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, have decided to withdraw from the Osun State governorship election.”

Adewale said his decision was not influenced by pressure or personal interest, but followed his assessment of the political situation in the state.

He said he believed Adeleke deserved another term to consolidate 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 declared his support for Adeleke’s re-election and urged his supporters and members of the APM to back the incumbent.

“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,” Adewale said.

He described the decision as one aimed at promoting peace, stability and development in the state, adding that politicians should prioritise the collective interest of the people.

In a separate development, the PDP governorship candidate, Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as Fryo, also announced his withdrawal from the election and endorsed Adeleke.

Adebayo made the declaration during a press briefing in Osogbo, where he called on PDP members, supporters and the party’s structure to support the incumbent governor.

“I, Honourable Adedamola Adebayo, known as Fryo, hereby endorse His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election,” he said.

He urged PDP members and supporters to peacefully back Adeleke’s bid for another term.

The withdrawals came less than 48 hours before the election scheduled for Saturday, August 15.

Adeleke is contesting the election on the platform of the Accord Party, while Bola Oyebamiji is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Najeem Salaam is the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).