The governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in the Osun State governorship election, Hon. Adebayo Simon Adewale, has withdrawn from the race and declared his support for the incumbent governor and Accord Party candidate, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.
Adewale announced his decision at a press conference on Thursday, August 13, saying he had reached the decision after deep reflection and extensive consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
He described his withdrawal as a “conscious choice to place the interest of Osun State above personal ambition,” urging members of the APM and his supporters across the state to vote for Adeleke in Saturday’s election. 
According to him, the decision was motivated by his conviction that Adeleke deserves another term to consolidate the achievements of his administration.
“Having carefully assessed the situation, I believe Governor Ademola Adeleke deserves another term to consolidate the progress his administration has recorded,” Adewale said.
He added that his decision was not influenced by pressure or personal interest, but was based on what he described as the collective interest of Osun State.
Adewale said politics should ultimately be about serving the people, stressing that his decision was aimed at promoting peace, stability, development and the overall wellbeing of the state.
“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,” he said.
The APM candidate also directed members of his party and his supporters to back Adeleke at the polls scheduled for Saturday.
He concluded by calling for unity and a focus on the future of Osun State, saying his decision was taken in the belief that it would best serve the people.
“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,” he added.
The development comes less than 48 hours before Osun State voters are expected to elect their next governor.
