The governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Hon. Adebayo Simon Adewale, has withdrawn from Saturday’s Osun State governorship election and endorsed the incumbent governor and Accord Party candidate, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.
Adewale announced his decision at a press conference on Thursday, directing members of the APM and his supporters across the state to vote for Adeleke in the election.
The APM candidate said his withdrawal was the outcome of deep reflection and extensive consultations with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders, stressing that the decision was made in the interest of the state rather than for personal or political gain.
According to him, his decision was a “conscious choice to place the interest of Osun State above personal ambition,” noting that Adeleke deserves another term to consolidate the achievements of his administration.
“Gentlemen of the Press, 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,” he said.
Adewale subsequently declared his support for Adeleke’s re-election and urged APM members, his supporters and residents of the state to support the incumbent governor at the polls.
He said the decision was guided by his desire to promote peace, stability and development in Osun State, adding that politics should ultimately be about serving the people.
“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,” he added.
Adewale concluded by urging his supporters to remain committed to the collective interest of Osun State, while praying for the success of the APM, the state and Nigeria.
