The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Hon. Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as FRYO, has withdrawn from the race and thrown his weight behind Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Adebayo announced his decision on Wednesday during a press conference in Osogbo, just three days before the governorship election, saying he had also resolved to collapse the political structure supporting his candidacy behind Adeleke.
The development represents a significant late change in the political landscape ahead of Saturday’s election, with Adebayo urging PDP members, supporters and political structures across the state that identify with his leadership to support Adeleke.
According to him, the decision followed extensive consultations with political associates, party members and other stakeholders, as well as a personal 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,” Adebayo said.
He explained that his decision was informed by what he described as the larger interest of Osun State, stressing that political leadership was not solely about pursuing personal 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,” he said.
Adebayo then formally announced his support for the incumbent governor, declaring, “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.”
He said he was aware that the decision might generate questions among his supporters and members of the PDP but maintained that he was prepared to take responsibility for his choice.
“I want to make it very clear that this decision is mine, and I take full responsibility for it,” he stated.
The former candidate subsequently appealed to members of the PDP and his supporters across the state to back Adeleke at the poll.
“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,” Adebayo said.
He, however, acknowledged that members of the party and his supporters remained free to make their individual political choices, stressing that his decision should not be interpreted as an attempt to suppress divergent opinions.
“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.
Adebayo also appealed to Adeleke’s supporters, opposition parties and other political actors to maintain peace before, during and after Saturday’s 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,” he said.
He maintained that the interest of the state should take precedence over the outcome of the election, declaring: “Osun State is bigger than any individual. Osun State is bigger than any political party. And Osun State is certainly bigger than any election.”
The former PDP candidate thanked those who supported his governorship ambition and assured them that his decision did not erase the relationships built during the political process.
“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.
Adebayo urged his supporters to accept the development with maturity and channel their political strength towards ensuring a peaceful election.
“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,” he said.
