Politics:
Osun Poll: APM Candidate Withdraws From Race, Backs Adeleke
The APM candidate described the decision as a “conscious choice to place the interest of Osun State above personal ambition”.
The governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Adebayo Adewale, has withdrawn from Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State and endorsed the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, for re-election.
Adewale announced his decision at a press conference on Thursday, directing members of the party and his supporters across the state to vote for Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate.
The APM candidate described the decision as a “conscious choice to place the interest of Osun State above personal ambition”, saying it would enable the governor to consolidate the progress recorded by his administration.
According to him, politics should always be about serving the people, adding that his decision to withdraw from the race and support Adeleke was aimed at advancing peace, stability, development and the collective interest of the state.
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He said: “After a deep reflection and extensive consultations with party leaders, supporters and stakeholders, I have decided to withdraw from the Osun State governorship race.
“This decision is not borne out of pressure or personal interest. Rather, it is a conscious choice to place the interest of Osun State above personal ambition. Having carefully assessed the situation, I believe Governor Ademola Adeleke deserves another term to consolidate the progress his administration has recorded.
“Accordingly, I hereby declare my full support for the re-election of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, and I call on all my supporters, members of the Allied People’s Movement and the good people of Osun State to join me in supporting his re-election.
“This decision is about the future of Osun State. 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.”
The withdrawal comes amid heightened political activity across Osun ahead of Saturday’s election, which is expected to be closely contested.
Adeleke is seeking a second term, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, is among the governor’s major challengers.
The campaign period has been marked by heightened political tensions and allegations of inflammatory rhetoric, prompting increased security preparations ahead of the poll.
More than 25,000 security personnel have been deployed for the election, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said preparations for the poll are on course.
With 14 candidates on the ballot, voters across the state’s 30 local government areas will determine who governs Osun State for the next four years.
