Osun Election: Ex-PDP guber aspirant endorses Adeleke

OSOGBO — A former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Mr Adebayo Adedamola, popularly known as Fryo, has endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Adedamola was nominated by a faction of the PDP for the election and polled 919 out of 957 votes at the party’s primary held in Osogbo, the state capital.

However, his name was not included in the final list of candidates for the election released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adedamola, alongside his supporters, announced his endorsement of Adeleke on Wednesday at a press conference in Osogbo, saying the decision followed extensive consultations, sober reflection and an assessment of the political situation in the state.

He said: “I have arrived at this decision based on my assessment of the political circumstances in our state and my conviction that, at this particular moment, this is the direction I am prepared to support.

“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.”

The PDP chieftain said he remained proud of his participation in the party’s primary and expressed appreciation to those who supported his candidacy.

He, however, said politics involved making difficult decisions at critical moments, stressing that the larger interest of the people should take precedence over 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.

Adedamola added that he had communicated his decision to PDP leaders, members and stakeholders across the state.

Ahead of Saturday’s election, he called for a peaceful poll and urged political leaders, candidates and their supporters to reject violence, intimidation and hate speech.

“Osun State is bigger than any individual. Osun State is bigger than any political party. And Osun State is certainly bigger than any election.

“We must allow the people to exercise their democratic rights freely and peacefully,” he said.

He urged PDP members and party structures across the state to work towards the re-election of Adeleke while conducting themselves lawfully and responsibly.