His name was not on the final list of governorship candidates made public by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Adebayo, who said the decision was not taken hastily, stressed that he had consulted widely, listened to different perspectives and considered what he believed was in the best interest of Osun State and its people.

“I, Hon. Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as FRYO, hereby endorse His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, ahead of the August 15, 2026, gubernatorial election in Osun State.

“I encourage all PDP members, supporters and structures across Osun State who share this position to peacefully support the emergence of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

“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.

He said he remained proud of his participation in the PDP electoral process and appreciated those who supported his political journey and believed in the vision he presented to the people.

“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,” Adebayo declared.

The PDP aspirant said he accepted full responsibility for the decision, adding that it was based on his assessment of the political circumstances in Osun State and his conviction about the direction he was prepared to support.

“I want to make it very clear that this decision is mine, and I take full responsibility for it. I acknowledge that some of my supporters could hold different views,” he said.

Adebayo said he had communicated his position to PDP leaders, members and stakeholders across the state, while urging those who shared his position to support Adeleke’s candidacy through peaceful and lawful participation 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 said.

He also appealed to political leaders, candidates, supporters and residents to reject violence, intimidation, hate speech and unnecessary political bitterness, saying the election should not undermine the unity of the state.

“Osun State is bigger than any individual. Osun State is bigger than any political party. And Osun State is certainly bigger than any election,” Adebayo said.

Adebayo urged eligible voters to exercise their democratic rights freely and peacefully, adding that the relationships and political experiences built during his campaign remained valuable despite his latest political decision.

The police also urged all concerned to comply with the directive in the interest of peace, warning political parties, candidates, supporters and members of the public against violence, intimidation and thuggery during the election.

According to the police, recurring electoral offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters would not be tolerated. It added that anyone involved in such offences, either as a direct perpetrator or sponsor, would be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or status.

It, therefore, identified the Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, among the authorised agencies for election security.

It said the joint deployment would cover all 30 local government areas of Osun State, including polling units and collation centres.

The Force also warned political parties, candidates and the public against engaging, arming or deploying any unauthorised security outfit for election-related activities.

“Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law,” it said.