Two candidates contesting Saturday’s Osun State governorship election have withdrawn from the race and endorsed the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.
Adebayo Adewale of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Adedamola Adebayo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced their decisions ahead of the poll.
Mr Adewale announced his withdrawal during a press conference on Thursday, saying the decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultation” with party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders.
He subsequently threw his support behind Governor Adeleke, who is seeking another term in office.
The development is expected to reshape the political contest as candidates and their supporters make final efforts to mobilise voters across the state.
The Osun governorship election has attracted considerable attention, with major political parties and their candidates campaigning for support across the state’s 30 local government areas.
The latest endorsements could potentially strengthen Adeleke’s position ahead of the poll, although the impact on the final outcome will depend on how supporters of the withdrawn candidates respond.
The election is expected to be closely watched amid calls for a peaceful, transparent and credible voting process.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is responsible for conducting the election, while security agencies have been deployed to maintain order and protect voters, electoral officials and materials.
With the candidates now making their final appeals to voters, attention will turn to Saturday’s ballot and whether the endorsements translate into votes for the incumbent.
