The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, Hon. Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as FRYO, has stepped down from the race and endorsed the incumbent Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, ahead of Saturday’s election.
Adebayo announced his decision during a press conference held in Osogbo on Wednesday, where he also directed members, supporters and political structures associated with his campaign within the PDP across the state to support Adeleke’s bid for a second term.
The development came just three days before the August 15 governorship election, adding a fresh dimension to the already competitive race involving major political parties in the state.
Addressing journalists, Adebayo said his decision followed extensive consultations, listening to different perspectives and a careful assessment of what he described as the best interest of Osun State and its people.
According to him, the decision was not taken in haste or casually, but followed “extensive consultations, sober reflection” and his assessment of the prevailing political circumstances in the state.
He said although he remained proud of his participation in the electoral process and appreciated those who supported his candidacy, political leadership required the ability to make difficult decisions and place the larger interest of the people above personal ambition.
“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,” Adebayo declared.
The PDP candidate said he was taking full responsibility for the decision, noting that he understood that some of his supporters and party members might disagree with his position.
He, however, appealed to PDP members, supporters and structures across Osun State who shared his political position to work towards the emergence of Adeleke at Saturday’s poll.
Adebayo said his decision did not erase the relationships, friendships and political experiences he had built with his supporters, adding that democracy allowed individuals to hold different opinions.
He also urged his supporters to translate their support for Adeleke into peaceful and lawful participation in the electoral process.
The former candidate appealed to political leaders, candidates and supporters across the state to reject violence, intimidation, hate speech and unnecessary political bitterness before, during and after the election.
“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 stressed that the election would come and go, but the people, families and communities of Osun State would remain, urging political actors to ensure that the election did not divide the people.
He expressed appreciation to those who had supported his political journey and candidacy, assuring them that their contributions and confidence in him would remain appreciated despite his decision to withdraw from the governorship contest.
The development is expected to have political implications for Saturday’s election, particularly with Adebayo asking members and structures that identify with his leadership within the PDP to support Adeleke.
Adebayo concluded by urging his supporters and PDP members backing his position to move forward with “maturity, unity and a sense of responsibility,” stressing that the peace, stability and progress of Osun State should remain the overriding consideration.