The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as FRYO, has withdrawn from the August 15, 2026, Sounds State governorship election.

This was just as he publicly declared support for the re-election bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord Party.

Adebayo announced his decision on Wednesday at a press conference in Osogbo, just three days before the governorship poll, directing PDP members, supporters and political structures aligned with his leadership across the state to back Adeleke.

Explaining the reasons for the withdrawal, Adebayo said the decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and a careful assessment of the prevailing situation in the state.

He stressed that the decision was not taken in haste, adding that his priority was the broader interest of Osun State rather than personal political 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 subsequently announced his endorsement of Adeleke, saying, “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 he was personally responsible for the decision and had communicated his position to PDP leaders, members and stakeholders across the state.

“I want to make it very clear that this decision is mine, and I take full responsibility for it,” he stated.

The former candidate also urged his supporters and PDP structures loyal to him to support Adeleke’s bid at the polls.

“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,” Adebayo said.

Acknowledging that some of his supporters might disagree with his position, he urged them to respect the democratic process, noting that political differences should not translate into hostility.

He further appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject violence, intimidation and hate speech during the election.

According to him, the outcome of the election should not be allowed to destroy relationships and communities, stressing that Osun residents would remain together after the poll.

“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.

Adebayo also thanked those who supported his governorship ambition, saying his decision to endorse Adeleke did not invalidate the relationships and political experiences accumulated during his campaign.

He urged political actors to approach the election with maturity and responsibility, emphasising the need to protect the peace and stability of the state.

Meanwhile, Adebayo’s withdrawal is the second major third-party development to emerge in the final days of the Osun governorship contest.

Earlier, the governorship hopeful of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Adesina Adeyemi-Doro, stepped down and declared support for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji.

Adeyemi-Doro announced his decision during an APC Campaign Council programme tagged ‘Osun Youth Interactive Session with Oyebamiji’ in Osogbo.

He said the decision followed consultations with APGA executives and members across the state, adding that the party had reached an alignment with the APC.