OSOGBO — Two governorship candidates in Saturday's Osun State election, Adebayo Simon Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), popularly known as Fryo, have withdrawn from the race and thrown their support behind incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Adewale announced his withdrawal at a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, saying the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders. "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, explaining that his choice was driven by a desire to place the interests of Osun State above personal political ambition.

Adewale said he believed Governor Adeleke deserved another term to consolidate the progress recorded by his administration, before formally declaring his backing for the governor's re-election bid. "I am able to declare my full support for the re-election of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke," he said, further urging APM members and Osun residents to rally behind the governor.

In a separate development, PDP candidate Adedamola Adebayo also announced his withdrawal and endorsement of Adeleke during a press briefing in Osogbo. "After extensive consultations and careful consideration, I have decided to endorse His Excellency..." Adebayo said, calling on PDP members, supporters and party structures loyal to him to back the governor at the polls.

Adebayo urged supporters who might disagree with his decision to respect the democratic process, and appealed to all political parties, candidates and their followers to shun violence, intimidation and hate speech, stressing that Osun State's unity should outlast the outcome of the election.

Despite the high-profile withdrawals, the development is not expected to alter the ballot paper, as INEC had already finalised the list of candidates ahead of Saturday's poll.

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