BREAKING: PDP Candidate Withdraws From Osun Election, Directs All Supporters to Vote Adeleke

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election, Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as FRYO, has withdrawn from the race and endorsed the re-election bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Adebayo announced his withdrawal on Wednesday during a press conference in Osogbo, just three days before the election.

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He also directed PDP members, supporters and political structures aligned with him across the state to support Adeleke, who is contesting the election on the platform of the Accord Party.

Explaining his decision, Adebayo said it followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and a careful assessment of the prevailing political situation in the state.

He stressed that the decision was not taken in haste, noting that his priority was the overall interest of Osun State rather than personal political ambition.

“Politics is not only about contesting elections. Politics is also about understanding the realities of the moment, making difficult decisions when necessary, and putting the larger interest of our people above personal ambition,” he said.

Adebayo formally announced his support for Adeleke, saying, “After extensive consultations and careful consideration, I have decided to endorse His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in the August 15 gubernatorial election in Osun State.”

He added that he had personally taken the decision and had communicated his position to PDP leaders, members and stakeholders across the state.

“I want to make it very clear that this decision is mine, and I take full responsibility for it,” he stated.

The former PDP candidate subsequently urged his supporters and political structures loyal to him to work for Adeleke’s victory at the polls.

“I encourage all PDP members, supporters and party structures across the state who believe in my leadership and judgment to support the emergence of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, at the August 15 gubernatorial election,” Adebayo said.

Acknowledging that some of his supporters may disagree with his decision, Adebayo urged them to respect the democratic process and avoid turning political differences into hostility.

He also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject violence, intimidation and hate speech before, during and after the election.

According to him, the outcome of the election should not be allowed to destroy relationships and communities, stressing that residents of the state would remain together after the poll.

“Osun State is bigger than any individual. Osun State is bigger than any political party. And Osun State is certainly bigger than any election,” he said.

Adebayo thanked those who supported his governorship ambition, maintaining that his endorsement of Adeleke did not erase the relationships and political experiences built during his campaign.

He urged political actors to approach Saturday’s election with maturity and responsibility while protecting the peace and stability of the state.

Adebayo’s withdrawal is the second major third-party development in the final days of the Osun governorship contest.

Earlier, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Adesina Adeyemi-Doro, also stepped down from the race and declared support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Adeyemi-Doro announced his decision during an APC Campaign Council programme tagged “Osun Youth Interactive Session with Oyebamiji” in Osogbo.

He said the decision followed consultations with APGA executives and members across the state, adding that the party had reached an alignment with the APC.