Osun 2026: APM Candidate Withdraws From Race, Backs Adeleke

The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Adebayo Simon Adewale, has withdrawn from the 2026 Osun State governorship election and declared his support for Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Adewale announced his decision at a press conference on Thursday, just two days before the election scheduled for Saturday, August 15.

In a video shared by the governor’s Special Assistant on Digital Media, Oni Gbenga Lawrence, the APM candidate directed his supporters and members of the party across the state to vote for Adeleke.

He said the decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultation” with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.

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“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.

Adewale stressed that his decision was not influenced by pressure or personal interests, saying he had chosen to prioritise the broader interests of the state.

“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,” he said.

Explaining his decision to back the incumbent, Adewale said he had assessed the political situation in the state and concluded that Adeleke should be given another term to consolidate his administration’s achievements.

“Having carefully assessed the situation, I believe Governor Adeleke Ademola deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration as recorded,” Adewale said.

He subsequently endorsed Adeleke and urged his supporters and members of the APM to support the governor at the polls.

“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,” he said.

Adewale said his decision was guided by what he considered the need to promote peace, stability and development in Osun State.

“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 said.

His withdrawal comes as political parties and their candidates make final preparations for Saturday’s election.

The development also adds to the series of last-minute political realignments ahead of the poll, with the election featuring multiple candidates, including Governor Adeleke, the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam.