The political landscape in Osun State has taken a dramatic turn ahead of Saturday’s governorship election after the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Adedamola Adebayo aka FRYO, withdrew from the race and threw his weight behind the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.
Adebayo announced his decision on Wednesday at a press conference in Osogbo, just three days before voters are expected to head to the polls.
In a move that could reshape the opposition party’s calculations, the former PDP candidate also directed members, supporters and political structures loyal to him across the state to support Adeleke’s re-election bid.
The decision came after what Adebayo described as extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the political realities confronting Osun State.
Explaining his withdrawal, Adebayo said he had spent considerable time consulting political stakeholders and listening to different views before arriving at his decision.
“This decision was not taken in haste. I have spent considerable time consulting with people, listening to different perspectives and carefully examining the political situation in our state.”
According to him, the decision was driven by what he considered the broader interest of Osun rather than personal political ambition.
Adebayo argued that politics was not simply about contesting elections, insisting that political leaders must sometimes make difficult choices when circumstances demand it.
“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 subsequently declared his support for Adeleke.
“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.”
The PDP candidate stressed that the decision was his alone and that he was prepared to take responsibility for its consequences.
He said he had informed PDP leaders, members and stakeholders across the state about his decision before publicly announcing his withdrawal.
Adebayo then called on those who had supported his candidacy to transfer their support to Adeleke.
“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.”
The move is particularly significant because it comes at the final stretch of a closely watched election, where every bloc of voters and political structure could prove decisive.
Adebayo appeared to anticipate resistance from some of his supporters, acknowledging that not everyone would necessarily agree with his decision.
Rather than attempting to force them to accept his position, he urged them to respect the democratic right to hold a different view.
“I understand that some people may ask questions. I understand that some of our supporters may have different opinions. I respect that.”
He added that leadership sometimes required making choices that might not be popular with everyone.
“There are times when a leader must make a decision and stand by it, even when that decision may not be convenient or universally accepted.”
Beyond his endorsement of Adeleke, Adebayo used the opportunity to appeal to political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid actions capable of plunging the state into violence.
With the election only days away, he warned against intimidation, hate speech and political bitterness.
“Let me also appeal to all political leaders, candidates, party supporters and citizens of Osun State to reject violence, intimidation, hate speech and unnecessary political bitterness.”
He reminded political actors that the election would be temporary, while the people and communities of Osun would remain long after the votes had been counted.
“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 further urged residents not to allow political disagreements to permanently damage relationships.
“The election will come and go, but our state will remain. Our families will remain. Our communities will remain. We will continue to live together as brothers and sisters.”
Adebayo’s withdrawal leaves Adeleke with an unexpected endorsement from a rival candidate on the eve of the election.
Whether the move will translate into actual votes remains to be seen, but the directive to PDP structures and supporters associated with Adebayo gives the endorsement a potentially significant political dimension.
For Adebayo, however, the decision appears to be less about the immediate contest and more about what he described as the long-term interests of Osun State.
He thanked those who supported his governorship ambition and insisted that his decision did not erase the relationships and political experiences built throughout his journey.
“My decision today does not erase the relationships, friendships and political experiences we have built together over the years. Rather, it represents a political decision based on my present assessment of the circumstances before us.”
He ended by urging his supporters to back Adeleke peacefully and responsibly.
“Let us move forward with maturity, unity and a sense of responsibility. Let us remember that our ultimate responsibility is to the peace, stability and progress of Osun State.”
- Media Report