Ajayi revealed his support for the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the state governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji.

His statement came against the backdrop of a town hall meeting organised by Arise TV for candidates contesting the election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

DAILY POST reports that the APC candidate is contesting against Najeem Salam of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, of the Accord Party.

Reacting to the debate, Ajayi said, “That is a useful way to look at the Osun election. The state is not recruiting an entertainer, a professional campaigner or a permanent opposition politician, but a CEO.

“It is recruiting a chief executive to manage a financially constrained public enterprise called Osun State. On the evidence of what I saw at the town hall, Oyebamiji made the stronger case that he understands that job.

“If the exercise is judged strictly on policy articulation, command of facts, fiscal realism and evidence of managerial competence, I will candidly say Oyebamiji came out ahead. He appeared to understand government as a management responsibility rather than merely a platform for political performance.”

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.