Osun election: APGA candidate withdraws, backs APC's Oyebamiji

The governorship race in Nigeria's Osun State has seen a significant realignment as Adesina Adeyemi-Doro, the candidate for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), withdrew his candidacy. He has now publicly endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, just over a week before the August 15 election.

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I am here today to declare publicly to the good people of Osun State our allegiance, support, and collaboration as we join His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, and the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Adeyemi-Doro announced his decision during an APC event in Osogbo, stating that his withdrawal followed extensive consultations with APGA leadership and members across the state. He described the move as an "alignment among progressives" and expressed a desire to support Oyebamiji's bid to become the next governor.

"I am here today to declare publicly to the good people of Osun State our allegiance, support, and collaboration as we join His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, and the All Progressives Congress, APC," Adeyemi-Doro stated. He added that after closely watching the candidates and consulting with his party's senior members, they reached this alignment.

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I have been watching the candidates closely, and after wide consultations with my state chairman, secretary, and other senior members of the party, we have reached an alignment. At the end of the day, we are all progressives.

Oyebamiji welcomed the endorsement, assuring Adeyemi-Doro and his supporters that they would work together to "rescue Osun State from the current bad government." He indicated that his campaign would continue to seek support from other political groups and parties to build a broader coalition ahead of the election.

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I am here today to declare publicly to the good people of Osun State our allegiance, support, and collaboration as we join His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, and the All Progressives Congress, APC.

While Adeyemi-Doro's withdrawal comes at a critical stage in the campaign, it is unlikely to affect the ballot on election day, as nomination withdrawal windows have closed. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to have already printed ballot papers listing all duly nominated candidates, including Adeyemi-Doro.

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Thank you so much. I appreciate this, and I want to assure you that we will work together to rescue Osun State from the current bad government. Your people will be taken care of.