The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, Adebayo Simon Adewale, has withdrawn from the race and endorsed the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Adewale announced his withdrawal at a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, saying the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.

He said his decision was based on the need to place the interest of Osun State above personal political ambition.

“I, Adebayo Simon Adewale, the governorship candidate of Allied Peoples Movement in Osun governorship election 2026, after deep reflection and extensive consultation with party leaders, supporters and stakeholders, have decided to withdraw from the Osun State governorship election,” he said.

The APM candidate maintained that his decision was neither influenced by pressure nor personal interest, but followed his assessment of the political situation in the state.

Adewale said he believed Adeleke deserved another term to consolidate the achievements of his administration.

“Having carefully assessed the situation, I believe Governor Adeleke Ademola deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration as recorded,” he said.

He consequently called on his supporters and members of the APM to support Adeleke’s re-election.

“Accordingly, I hereby declare my full support for the re-election of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, and I call all my supporters, members of Allied Peoples Movement and the good people of Osun to join me in supporting the election,” he added.

Adewale said the decision was aimed at promoting peace, stability and development in the state.

He added that politicians should prioritise the interests of the people over personal ambitions, stressing that his decision was based on what he believed would advance the collective interest of Osun State.

The development comes barely a day before voters across the state are expected to head to the polls to elect the next governor.