Two governorship candidates in Saturday’s Osun State election have withdrawn from the race and endorsed incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Gatekeepers News reports that the candidates are Adebayo Simon Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adewale announced his withdrawal at a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, saying the decision followed what he described as “deep reflection and extensive consultation” with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders. He urged his supporters and members of the APM to vote for Adeleke in Saturday’s election.
He said his decision was not motivated by pressure or personal interest but by the need to place the interest of Osun State above his personal ambition.
Similarly, the PDP candidate, Adedamola Adebayo, stepped down from the contest and declared his support for Adeleke ahead of the poll.
The withdrawals come less than 24 hours before the election, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 15. The development is expected to alter the dynamics of the contest, with Adeleke facing his major challengers, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam.
The election has attracted 15 candidates, but the last-minute withdrawals and endorsements have further intensified political realignments ahead of the poll.
