BREAKING: APM Candidate Quits Osun Governorship Race, Endorses Adeleke

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The political landscape in Osun State has taken a dramatic turn less than 48 hours before the governorship election, with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate, Adebayo Simon Adewale, withdrawing from the race and endorsing incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Adewale announced his decision at a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, saying it followed what he described as “deep reflection and extensive consultation” with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.

According to Adewale, the decision was not influenced by pressure or personal interest but was based on what he believed was best for Osun State.

“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 said his decision followed an assessment of the political situation in the state and a conclusion that Adeleke deserved another term to consolidate what he described as 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,” Adewale said.

The APM candidate subsequently declared his support for Adeleke’s re-election and appealed to his supporters, APM members and other residents of Osun State to back the governor at the polls.

He said the decision was motivated by the desire to promote peace, stability, development and the collective interest of the state.

The withdrawal represents a major late-stage development in the Osun governorship contest, coming just one day before voters are scheduled to cast their ballots.

Adewale’s endorsement also comes amid a broader wave of political realignments ahead of the election, with another governorship candidate, Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as Fryo, also stepping down and endorsing Adeleke.

Adebayo, who was associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidacy, reportedly urged PDP members and his supporters to support Adeleke’s bid for a second term.

The two withdrawals have intensified attention on the major remaining contenders, particularly Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, as other parties continue to participate in the election.

Political observers are expected to closely watch whether the latest endorsements translate into additional support for Adeleke, particularly among voters who had been considering the smaller parties.

The development has generated widespread discussion across Osun, with the timing of Adewale’s decision making it one of the most notable political realignments in the final hours of the campaign.

Adeleke is seeking another term as governor, while his challengers are hoping to unseat the incumbent and take control of the state.

With campaigns effectively entering their final stage, attention has now shifted to election day and the ability of each candidate and political party to mobilise supporters to polling units across Osun.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, when voters will decide who will govern the state for the next term.

Despite the late endorsements and political realignments, the final outcome will ultimately be determined by votes cast by eligible voters across the state.

As Osun prepares for the polls, Adewale’s decision to withdraw from the race and back Adeleke has added another dramatic twist to an already fiercely contested election.