In a significant political realignment ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for 15 August, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Adesina Adeyemi-Doro, has officially withdrawn from the race and thrown his support behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. The announcement was made on Saturday during a youth-focused interactive session organized by the APC Campaign Council in Osogbo, the state capital.
Endorsement Announced at Youth Session
Mr Adeyemi-Doro made his decision public at the event tagged ‘Osun Youth Interactive Session with Oyebamiji’, where he cited extensive consultations with party leaders and members as the basis for his move. He described the endorsement as an alignment among progressives aimed at strengthening the APC's chances in the upcoming poll.
“I am here today to declare publicly to the good people of Osun State our allegiance, support, and collaboration as we join His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, and the All Progressives Congress, APC,” Mr Adeyemi-Doro stated. He further explained, “I have been watching the candidates closely, and after wide consultations with my state chairman, secretary, and other senior members of the party, we have reached an alignment. At the end of the day, we are all progressives.”
Strategic Implications for the Election
The withdrawal comes just a week before the election, in which 14 candidates are cleared to contest, including the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke. While the withdrawal does not remove Mr Adeyemi-Doro's name from the ballot—since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already printed ballot papers—the endorsement provides Mr Oyebamiji with an additional political platform and potentially broadens his coalition.
Mr Oyebamiji welcomed the endorsement, expressing gratitude and promising collaboration. “Thank you so much. I appreciate this, and I want to assure you that we will work together to rescue Osun State from the current bad government,” he said. He added, “Your people will be taken care of.” The APC candidate also indicated plans to reach out to other political parties to build a broader coalition before the election.
Youth Engagement and Policy Focus
The interactive session was organized by the APC Campaign Council's Directorate of Youth, Students and Civil Society, allowing young voters to question Mr Oyebamiji on education, employment, entrepreneurship, and community development. The directorate's chairman, Ayodele Asalu, emphasized the importance of such engagements. “They want to know what your administration proposes to do about education and employment,” he said. “They want to understand the opportunities that will exist for entrepreneurs, artisans and professionals. They want to know how communities will benefit from development and how young people will participate in making the decisions that affect them.”
Mr Asalu urged participants to evaluate candidates based on their plans and policies rather than party affiliation, underscoring the need for informed voting.
Late Realignment and Its Impact
Although Mr Adeyemi-Doro's withdrawal does not automatically transfer APGA supporters' votes to the APC, the endorsement is seen as a strategic move that could influence undecided voters. The development highlights the fluid nature of political alliances as parties enter the final phase of campaigns.
With the election just days away, the political landscape in Osun State continues to evolve, and the endorsement adds another dimension to an already competitive race. The APC candidate's campaign has signaled a willingness to engage with other parties, aiming to consolidate support ahead of the crucial vote.
