Three Days To Osun Election, PDP Candidate Withdraws, Endorses Adeleke 

The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the August 15, 2026 Osun State election, Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as FRYO, has withdrawn from the race and endorsed the re-election bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke.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 decision on Wednesday during a press conference in Osogbo, just three days before voters are scheduled to elect the next governor of the state.

Following his withdrawal, the former PDP candidate directed members of the party, his supporters and political structures associated with his campaign across the state to support Adeleke in Saturday’s election.

Adebayo said the decision followed extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the political situation in Osun, stressing that his action was driven by what he considered the broader interest of the state rather than personal political ambition.

He said political leadership sometimes required individuals to take difficult decisions, even when such choices could attract opposition from their supporters.

“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 said.

Adebayo explained that he took full responsibility for the decision and had communicated his position to party leaders, members and other stakeholders.

He subsequently appealed to PDP members and his supporters to respect his decision and support Adeleke’s bid for a second term.

The former candidate acknowledged that some of his supporters might disagree with his position but urged them to respect differing views, describing disagreements as an inevitable part of democratic politics.

He also used the occasion to appeal to political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid violence, intimidation, hate speech and other forms of electoral hostility before, during and after the poll.

According to him, the collective interest of Osun should take precedence over individual ambitions and partisan considerations.

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

He urged political actors to remember that the election would eventually end, while residents, families and communities would continue to live together after the contest.

Adebayo also thanked those who supported his campaign, saying his decision to withdraw and back Adeleke did not erase the relationships, experiences and lessons gathered throughout his political journey.