The Osun State governorship race has taken a fresh turn as the Allied People’s Movement candidate, Adebayo Adewale, has stepped down from the contest and declared support for incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Adewale made the announcement at a press conference on Thursday, urging his supporters and members of the APM across the state to cast their votes for Adeleke in Saturday’s election.
He said the decision followed consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders, stressing that his choice was driven by what he considered to be the broader interest of Osun State rather than personal political ambition.
According to him, Adeleke should be given another term to build on what his administration has achieved so far.
“After a deep reflection and extensive consultations with party leaders, supporters and stakeholders, I have decided to withdraw from the Osun State governorship race.
“This decision is not borne out of pressure or personal interest. Rather, it is a conscious choice to place the interest of Osun State above personal ambition. Having carefully assessed the situation, I believe Governor Ademola Adeleke deserves another term to consolidate the progress his administration has recorded.
“Accordingly, I hereby declare my full support for the re-election of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, and I call on all my supporters, members of the Allied People’s Movement and the good people of Osun State to join me in supporting his re-election.
“This decision is about the future of Osun State. Politics 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.”
Adewale’s withdrawal comes just one day before the governorship election, with political parties intensifying their final mobilisation efforts across the state.
Adeleke is seeking another term in office, while the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, remains one of his principal challengers in the contest.
The election campaign has been characterised by intense political activities and accusations among rival camps, leading security agencies to increase preparations for Saturday’s poll.
More than 25,000 security personnel have been deployed across Osun to maintain law and order during the election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has also maintained that preparations for the poll are progressing as scheduled.
With 14 candidates remaining on the ballot, voters in the state’s 30 local government areas will decide who takes charge of Osun State for the next four years.
