Ex-PDP aspirant backs Adeleke ahead of Osun governorship election

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

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

Adebayo, who made the declaration in Osogbo on Wednesday, said his decision to support Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, followed extensive consultations, sober reflection and an assessment of the political circumstances in the state.

He emerged as the PDP governorship candidate on December 2, 2025, after polling 919 votes out of 957 votes cast at the party’s primary in Osogbo. However, his name was not included in the final list of candidates for the election released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He urged PDP members, supporters and party structures across the state who believe in his leadership and judgment to support Adeleke at the August 15 election.

The former PDP candidate said he remained proud of his participation in the party’s primary and grateful to those who supported his candidacy, stressing that politics required making difficult decisions when necessary and placing the larger interest of the people above 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.

Adebayo also called for a peaceful election 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.