Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Osun 2026: APM Governorship Candidate Withdraws, Endorses Adeleke.
The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the Osun State governorship election, Adebayo Simon Adewale, has stepped down from the race and thrown his weight behind the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.
Adewale announced his withdrawal on Thursday at a press conference, just two days before the election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
In a video shared by the governor’s Special Assistant on Digital Media, Oni Gbenga Lawrence, the APM candidate called on his supporters and members of the party across Osun State to support Adeleke at the polls.
Adewale said the decision followed what he described as “deep reflection and extensive consultation” with party leaders, his supporters and other stakeholders.
“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.
According to him, his decision was not the result of pressure or any personal arrangement, but a deliberate choice to put the interests of the state ahead of his own political ambition.
“This decision is not born out of pressure or personal interest; rather, it is a conscious choice to place the interest of Osun above personal ambition,” Adewale stated.
He explained that after carefully examining the political situation in Osun and the performance of the present administration, he came to the conclusion that Adeleke deserved another term to consolidate what he described as the progress recorded under his leadership.
“Having carefully assessed the situation, I believe Governor Adeleke Ademola deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration as recorded,” he said.
The former APM candidate subsequently declared his support for Adeleke’s re-election and urged his supporters, party members and other residents of the state to vote for 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 further argued that his decision was guided by what he believes would best serve the people of Osun State, particularly in terms of peace, stability and development.
“This decision is about the future of Osun. Politicians 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 added.
Adewale’s withdrawal comes at a crucial moment in the Osun governorship race, with voters set to decide the next governor on Saturday.
The election is expected to be closely contested, with Adeleke of the Accord Party, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) among the prominent contenders.
The APM candidate’s decision to withdraw and openly endorse Adeleke could further reshape the political calculations ahead of the poll, particularly if his supporters follow his directive at the ballot box.
