A former gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Osun State, Mr Adebayo Adedamola, popularly known as Fryo, has announced his endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Adedamola was nominated by a faction of the PDP for the August 15 poll. He polled 919 votes out of 957 cast in the primary held in Osogbo, the state capital.
However, his name was not among the final list of candidates for the election announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Adedamola, alongside his supporters, said the decision followed extensive consultations, sober reflection and assessment of the political circumstances in the state.
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"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," Adedamola stated.
The PDP chieftain said he remains proud of his participation in the party's primary and expressed gratitude to those who supported his candidacy.
He, however, stressed that politics is also about making difficult decisions at critical moments, adding, "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."
Adedamola noted that he had already communicated his position to PDP leaders, members and stakeholders across the state.
Speaking on Saturday's election, Adedamola called for a peaceful poll, urging political leaders, candidates and 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
Adedamola urged PDP members and structures across Osun to work towards the re-emergence of Governor Adeleke while conducting themselves lawfully and responsibly.
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