Chinwe Odita
Less than 48 hours to the Osun State governorship election, the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, candidate, Simon Adewale, has withdrawn from the race and endorsed incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term.
Adewale announced his decision on Thursday during a press conference captured on video, saying it followed extensive consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
The APM candidate said the move was not driven by personal interest but by the need to prioritize the state’s progress.
“After deep reflection and extensive consultation with party leaders, supporters and stakeholders, I have decided to withdraw from the Osun State governorship election,” he said.
“I believe Governor Adeleke deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration, as recorded.
I am able to declare my full support for the re-election of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.”
Adewale urged his supporters, APM members and residents to vote for Adeleke on Saturday.
“This decision is about the future of Osun. 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.
Adewale’s withdrawal is the latest in a wave of last-minute realignments ahead of the August 15 election.
Earlier, APGA governorship candidate, Adesina Adeyemi-Doro, also stepped down and endorsed the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly called AMBO.
Meanwhile, the Accord Party has dismissed the endorsement of APC’s Oyebamiji by factional Chairman Prof. Christopher Imumolen, and reaffirmed its support for Governor Adeleke.
Despite the withdrawals, the number of candidates on the ballot will not change as INEC has already printed materials for the election.
The contest will still feature Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Oyebamiji of the APC, and candidates from 13 other political parties.
With Adewale throwing his weight behind Adeleke, political observers say the endorsement could shift calculations in the final hours before voters head to the polls.
