Osun Poll: PDP Guber Candidate, FRYO Steps Down, Endorses Adeleke

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, Hon. Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as FRYO, has stepped down from the race and endorsed the incumbent Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Adebayo announced his decision on Wednesday at a press conference in Osogbo, where he also directed PDP members, supporters and structures across the state associated with his political leadership to support Adeleke in Saturday’s election.

The development came just three days before the governorship poll and could alter the political calculations ahead of the election, particularly within the PDP.

Explaining his decision, Adebayo said it followed extensive consultations and careful consideration of the political situation in the 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,” he said.

According to him, his decision was driven by what he considered the larger interest of Osun State rather than personal political 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,” Adebayo said.

He subsequently declared his support for Adeleke, saying, “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.”

Adebayo stressed that he was personally responsible for the decision, adding that he had communicated his position to leaders, members and stakeholders of the PDP across Osun State.

“I want to make it very clear that this decision is mine, and I take full responsibility for it,” he said.

The former PDP candidate also called on members and supporters who believe in his leadership to support Adeleke’s re-election bid.

“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,” he said.

He urged his supporters to ensure that their political activities remained peaceful and within the law, stressing that democracy allowed people to hold divergent opinions.

“I understand that some people may ask questions. I understand that some of our supporters may have different opinions. I respect that. 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,” Adebayo said.

He, however, maintained that leadership sometimes required difficult decisions, saying, “There are times when a leader must make a decision and stand by it, even when that decision may not be convenient or universally accepted.”

Adebayo further appealed to political actors across Osun State to avoid violence, intimidation and hate speech as the state heads to the polls.

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

According to him, the political contest should not be allowed to damage the relationships and communities that would remain after the election.

“The election will come and go, but our state will remain. Our families will remain. Our communities will remain. We will continue to live together as brothers and sisters,” he said.

Adebayo also thanked those who supported his governorship ambition, saying his decision to endorse Adeleke did not diminish the relationships and political experiences built during his campaign.

“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.

He concluded by urging his supporters to support Adeleke peacefully, saying: “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.”