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candidate in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election, Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as FRYO, has withdrawn from the race and endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Adebayo announced his decision on Wednesday during a press conference in Osogbo, just three days before the election.
He also directed PDP members, supporters and political groups under his leadership across the state to support Adeleke in Saturday’s election.
Adebayo said his decision followed consultations with various people and a careful assessment of the political situation in Osun State.
“This decision was not taken in haste. I have spent considerable time consulting with people, listening to different perspectives and carefully examining the political situation in our state,” he said.
He explained that his decision was based on what he considered to be the interest of the state rather than his personal political ambition.
“Politics is not only about contesting elections. Politics is also about understanding the realities of the moment, making difficult decisions when necessary, and putting the larger interest of our people above personal ambition,” Adebayo said.
Announcing his support for Adeleke, 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.”
Adebayo stressed that the decision was his personal choice and that he had informed PDP leaders, members and other stakeholders.
“I want to make it very clear that this decision is mine, and I take full responsibility for it,” he said.
He urged PDP members and supporters who believed in his leadership to support Adeleke’s re-election.
“I encourage all PDP members, supporters and party structures across the state who believe in my leadership and judgment to support the emergence of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, at the August 15 gubernatorial election,” he said.
The former PDP candidate acknowledged that some of his supporters might disagree with him but said they had the right to hold different opinions.
“I understand that some people may ask questions. I understand that some of our supporters may have different opinions. I respect that. Democracy gives every one of us the right to hold a different opinion, and I will never condemn anybody simply because they disagree with me,” he said.
He added that leaders sometimes have to make difficult decisions, saying, “There are times when a leader must make a decision and stand by it, even when that decision may not be convenient or universally accepted.”
Adebayo also called on political leaders, candidates and supporters to avoid violence, intimidation, hate speech and other forms of political hostility during the election.
“Let me also appeal to all political leaders, candidates, party supporters and citizens of Osun State to reject violence, intimidation, hate speech and unnecessary political bitterness.
“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 reminded political actors that the election would end while residents would continue to live together as members of the same communities.
“The election will come and go, but our state will remain. Our families will remain. Our communities will remain. We will continue to live together as brothers and sisters,” he said.
Adebayo thanked his supporters for backing his political ambition, saying his decision to endorse Adeleke did not erase the relationships and experiences built during his political journey.
“My decision today does not erase the relationships, friendships and political experiences we have built together over the years. Rather, it represents a political decision based on my present assessment of the circumstances before us,” he said.
He finally urged his supporters to support Adeleke peacefully and responsibly.
“Let us move forward with maturity, unity and a sense of responsibility. Let us remember that our ultimate responsibility is to the peace, stability and progress of Osun State,” Adebayo said.
