The Allied People's Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Osun State, Adebayo Adewale, has withdrawn from Saturday's election and endorsed the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party.
Adewale announced his decision at a press conference on Thursday, urging his supporters and party members across the state to vote for Adeleke when polls open. The withdrawal reduces the number of candidates on the ballot from 15 to 14, but the race remains competitive.
Reasons for Withdrawal
Adewale said the move was a deliberate choice to prioritize the welfare of Osun State over personal political goals. "Politics should always be about serving the people," he said, adding that backing Adeleke was aimed at promoting peace, stability, development, and the broader interests of the state.
The APM candidate argued that his withdrawal would allow Adeleke to build on his administration's achievements, framing the decision as one that places collective progress above individual ambition. Adeleke is seeking a second term and faces stiff competition, notably from the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
Security and Preparations
More than 25,000 security personnel have been deployed across Osun State for the poll. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all preparations for the election are on track. With 14 candidates still on the ballot, voters across the state's 30 local government areas will choose who governs Osun for the next four years.
The build-up to the election has been tense, with reports of inflammatory rhetoric from various camps prompting authorities to scale up security arrangements. Adewale's withdrawal is unlikely to eliminate the competition Adeleke faces from the APC and other parties still in the race.
Accord Party National Chairman Dumps Adeleke
In a related development, Accord Party's national chairman, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, publicly withdrew support for Governor Adeleke at the APC mega rally in Osun State. Imumolen swapped his yellow Accord Party cap for an APC cap at the rally, drawing a visible reaction from the crowd. Senate President Akpabio, Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu, and several APC heavyweights attended the rally days before the August 15 election.
The election is set for Saturday, with Adeleke and Oyebamiji as the main contenders. The outcome will determine the next governor of Osun State for the next four years.
