The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Adebayo Simon Adewale, has pulled out of the Osun State governorship race to back the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.

The dramatic twist comes just 48 hours before residents hit the polls on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Adewale announced his withdrawal during a Thursday press conference, which was captured in a video shared online by Oni Gbenga Lawrence, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Media.

The APM standard-bearer stated that his decision followed deep reflection and extensive consultations with party leadership, stakeholders, and his core support base.

"This decision is not born out of pressure or personal interest," Adewale emphasized. "Rather, it is a conscious choice to place the interest of Osun above personal ambition."

He urged all APM members and his loyal voters across the state to cast their ballots for the incumbent governor.

According to Adewale, his assessment of the current political landscape convinced him that Governor Adeleke deserves a second term to solidify his administration`s developmental strides.

"I believe Governor Adeleke Ademola deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration as recorded," Adewale added, noting that the move is aimed at protecting the state`s peace, stability, and future.

This unexpected alliance narrows the playing field on the eve of the election. While Adeleke picks up momentum from the APM endorsement, he still faces stiff competition in Saturday`s showdown against other heavyweights, including Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).