Hon. Adedamola Adebayo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, has withdrawn from the Osun State governorship race and directed his supporters and political structures to mobilise for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Adebayo made the announcement at a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, three days before the August 15 governorship election.
He said the decision followed extensive consultations, sober reflection and a careful assessment of what he described as the best interest of Osun State and its people.
Adebayo urged members, supporters and political structures associated with his campaign across the state to support Adeleke’s bid for a second term.
“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.
The PDP guber candidate said political leadership required the ability to make difficult decisions and place the larger interest of the people above personal ambition.
He acknowledged that some of his supporters and party members might disagree with his decision but appealed to those who shared his position to work for Adeleke’s victory.
Adebayo also called on political leaders, candidates and supporters across the state to reject violence, intimidation, hate speech and political bitterness before, during and after the election.
“Osun State is bigger than any individual. Osun State is bigger than any political party. And Osun State is certainly bigger than any election,” he said.
He urged his supporters to participate in the election peacefully and lawfully, stressing that the peace, stability and progress of Osun State should remain the overriding consideration.
