APM Candidate Drops Out, Supports Adeleke for Governorship in Osun

The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Osun State, Simon Adewale, has stepped down from the race. He is now backing the current governor, Ademola Adeleke, for another term.

Mr Adewale announced his decision at a press conference shared in a video by Nigeria Tribune. He said he made this choice after talking with party leaders, supporters, and others.

He emphasized that his decision was not about personal gain but about prioritizing the needs of Osun State over his own ambitions.

"After deep reflection and extensive consultation with party leaders, supporters and stakeholders, I have decided to withdraw from the Osun State governorship election," he stated.

Mr Adewale reviewed the political landscape in the state and felt that Governor Adeleke deserves another term to build on what he called the progress made during his time in office.

"I believe Governor Adeleke deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration, as recorded," he added.

He then confirmed his support for the governor’s re-election and encouraged his supporters and APM members to back Mr Adeleke in the upcoming election on Saturday.

"I am able to declare my full support for the re-election of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke," he said.

He urged his party members and the people of Osun to stand with the governor. He believes this decision will benefit the entire state.

"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.

Mr Adewale further explained his choice, saying politics should focus on serving the people and not personal ambitions.

"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.

His withdrawal comes just two days before the governorship election on August 15, reducing the number of candidates.

This shift shows a growing trend of last-minute changes right before the election.

PREMIUM TIMES previously reported that Adesina Adeyemi-Doro, the governorship candidate for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), also backed out of the race to support APC’s Bola Oyebamiji. He announced his decision shortly before the election, after discussing it with his supporters and party members.

While the APGA candidate chose to support Oyebamiji, Mr Adewale’s withdrawal is notable as he is backing the incumbent, Mr Adeleke. This could change the political scene as the election approaches.

The governorship race will now include Mr Adeleke from the Accord Party, Bola Oyebamiji from the All Progressives Congress (APC), and candidates from 13 other parties, including those who have recently dropped out.

These withdrawals are not expected to change the number of candidates on the ballot, which INEC has already prepared for the election.