Nigeria: Ex-PDP governorship aspirant Fryo endorses Adeleke ahead of Osun election
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
A former Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant in Osun State, Mr. Adebayo Adedamola, popularly known as Fryo, has thrown his support behind Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Adedamola made the announcement on Tuesday in Osogbo, saying the decision came after consultations with his supporters and a review of the political situation in the state.
He was nominated by a faction of the PDP for the poll and won the factional primary held in Osogbo with 919 votes out of 957 cast. However, his name did not appear on the final list of candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
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 urged PDP members, supporters and party structures across Osun who believed in his leadership to rally behind Governor Adeleke in the election.
“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,” he stated.
Adedamola said he remains proud of his participation in the PDP primary and thanked those who backed his candidacy. He added that politics sometimes requires putting broader interests above personal 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.
The former aspirant noted that he had already communicated his position to PDP leaders, members and stakeholders across the state.
On the forthcoming election, Adedamola called for peace and urged political leaders, candidates and supporters to shun violence, intimidation and hate speech.
“Osun State is bigger than any individual. Osun State is bigger than any political party. And Osun State is certainly bigger than any election. We must allow the people to exercise their democratic rights freely and peacefully,” he said.
He further charged PDP members and structures across Osun to work for the re-election of Governor Adeleke while conducting themselves lawfully and responsibly.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026. INEC has said all preparations are in place and has urged parties to ensure a peaceful process.
