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candidate in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election, Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as FRYO, has withdrawn from the contest and declared support for incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Adebayo announced his decision on Wednesday at a press conference in Osogbo, just three days before the election.
He also directed members of the PDP, his supporters and political structures loyal to him across the state to support Adeleke in Saturday’s poll.
According to Adebayo, the decision followed extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the political situation in Osun.
He said his withdrawal was motivated by what he described as the broader interest of the state rather than personal political ambition.
Adebayo stressed that political leadership sometimes required taking difficult decisions, even when such decisions might not be popular among supporters.
He said: “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 former PDP candidate said he was solely responsible for the decision and had communicated his position to party leaders, members and stakeholders.
He subsequently urged PDP members and his supporters to support Adeleke’s re-election bid.
Adebayo acknowledged that some of his supporters might disagree with his position but appealed to them to respect differing opinions, describing such disagreements as part of the democratic process.
He also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject violence, intimidation, hate speech and other forms of electoral hostility before, during and after the election.
According to him, the interests of Osun State should take precedence over 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,” he said.
Adebayo urged political actors to remember that the election would eventually end, while residents and communities would remain together.
He also expressed appreciation to those who supported his governorship campaign, saying his decision to back Adeleke did not diminish the relationships and experiences built throughout his political journey.
The development comes days before the governorship election and is likely to alter the political calculations ahead of the August 15 poll.
