The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the Osun State election, Simon Adewale, has withdrawn from the race and endorsed the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, for a second term.
Adewale announced his decision during a press conference in a video posted by the Nigerian Tribune. He said the decision followed consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
He said his decision was not based on personal interest but on what he believed was best for Osun State.
“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.
Adewale said he had considered the political situation in the state and concluded that Adeleke should be given another term to continue what he described as the achievements of his administration.
“I believe Governor Adeleke deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration, as recorded,” he said.
The former APM candidate then declared his support for Adeleke’s re-election.
“I am able to declare my full support for the re-election of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke,” Adewale said.
He urged his supporters, party members and other residents of Osun State to support Adeleke in the election.
“I call all my supporters, members of Allied Peoples Movement and the good people of Osun to join me in supporting the election,” he said.
Adewale further explained that political ambition should not be placed above the welfare of the people.
“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 said.
Adewale’s withdrawal came less than two days before the August 15 governorship election.
His decision is the latest political realignment ahead of the election.
Earlier, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Adesina Adeyemi-Doro, also withdrew from the race and endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
Adeyemi-Doro said his decision followed consultations with his supporters and party stakeholders.
While the APGA candidate endorsed Oyebamiji, Adewale chose to support Adeleke, highlighting the last-minute changes among candidates ahead of the election.
