The governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Adebayo Adewale, has withdrawn from Saturday’s Osun State governorship election and endorsed incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term.
Mr Adewale announced his withdrawal at a press conference on Thursday, urging APM members and his supporters across the state to vote for the governor.
He said the decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
“I have decided to withdraw from the Osun State governorship race,” Mr Adewale said.
He described the move as a “conscious choice to place the interest of Osun State above personal ambition”.
“Having carefully assessed the situation, I believe Governor Ademola Adeleke deserves another term to consolidate the progress his administration has recorded,” he said.
Mr Adewale said his decision was not influenced by pressure or personal interests, adding that politics should be about serving the people.
“This decision is about the future of Osun State. Politics 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.
The withdrawal comes as political activity intensifies ahead of Saturday’s election, which is expected to be closely contested.
Governor Adeleke is seeking re-election, with All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Oyebamiji among his main challengers.
The campaign has been marked by political tensions and allegations of inflammatory rhetoric, prompting heightened security preparations across the state.
More than 25,000 security personnel have been deployed for the election, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says preparations for the poll are on course.
Fourteen candidates are on the ballot, with voters across Osun’s 30 local government areas expected to decide who governs the state for the next four years.
