Key Takeaways
- Adebayo Adedamola endorses Governor Ademola Adeleke for the August 15, 2026 election.
- Despite his earlier candidacy within the PDP, Adedamola was not listed among the final candidates by INEC.
- He calls for peaceful conduct and unity among PDP members ahead of the gubernatorial poll.
In a significant political development, Adebayo Adedamola, a former gubernatorial aspirant representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, has officially endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for the upcoming governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
Adedamola, affectionately known as Fryo, emerged from a faction of the PDP with substantial support, securing 919 votes out of 957 in the primary election conducted in Osogbo, the state capital. However, he was ultimately omitted from the final candidate roster published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Through careful deliberation and assessment of the current political landscape in Osun State, Adedamola and his supporters have deemed it necessary to rally behind Adeleke's candidacy. “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,” he stated.
Adedamola encouraged all members of the PDP, as well as supporters and party structures throughout the state, to join him in endorsing Adeleke for the upcoming gubernatorial election. He expressed pride in his role within the party's primary and extended gratitude to those who championed his candidacy.
He went on to highlight the often tough choices that political leaders must make, asserting that politics entails understanding the current realities and placing the welfare of the populace above personal ambitions. “Politics is not only about contesting elections. It 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 emphasized.
Adedamola has communicated his supportive stance to PDP leaders, members, and stakeholders, urging them to embrace a peaceful and respectful approach as they move forward. He urged the political community to reject violence, intimidation, and hate speech in the lead-up to Saturday's election.
“Osun State is bigger than any individual. It is larger than any political party. And Osun State is certainly bigger than any election,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of allowing citizens to exercise their democratic rights freely and peacefully.
In his call to action, Adedamola emphasized the need for all PDP members and structures to work diligently towards the re-emergence of Governor Adeleke, while maintaining lawful and responsible conduct throughout the election process.
Why This Matters
The endorsement from Adedamola signifies significant political maneuvering within the PDP in Osun State as the election date approaches. His call for unity and peaceful conduct highlights the overarching need for stability, which could have a lasting impact on the political landscape in the region.