The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Osun State, Adesina Adeyemi-Doro, has withdrawn from the August 15 governorship election and declared his support for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji.
Adeyemi-Doro announced his decision on Saturday during the ‘Osun Youth Interactive Session with Oyebamiji’, organised by the APC Campaign Council in Osogbo.
The APGA candidate said his decision to withdraw from the race followed extensive consultations with the leadership and members of his party across the state.
He said APGA had reached an agreement to align with the APC ahead of the election, describing both parties as sharing progressive ideals.
“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 said.
He added, “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.”
Adeyemi-Doro expressed optimism that the alignment would contribute to Oyebamiji’s victory at the poll.
“We look forward to a situation where, by the special grace of God, we will deliver Osun State to our governor, Oyebamiji,” he said.
Responding to the endorsement, Oyebamiji commended the APGA candidate for his decision and said his campaign would continue to reach out to other political parties and candidates in the governorship race for support.
Oyebamiji described the development as an opportunity for the different political groups in the state to work together towards what he called a better future for Osun.
“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,” Oyebamiji said.
He added, “I am glad about this development, and we will also reach out to other parties so that we can join hands together to build a greater Osun State.”
Earlier, the Chairman, Directorate of Youth, Students and Civil Society of the Osun APC Campaign Council, Ayodele Asalu, said the youth interactive session was organised to enable Oyebamiji engage directly with young people and students from across the state.
Asalu said the programme provided an opportunity for youths, including those who were not members of the APC, to question the candidate on his plans for education, employment, entrepreneurship and community development.
“They want to know what your administration proposes to do about education and employment. They want to understand the opportunities that will exist for entrepreneurs, artisans and professionals,” he said.
According to him, the participants also wanted to know how communities would benefit from development programmes and how young people would be involved in decisions affecting the state.
Asalu urged the participants to assess the candidates based on their policies and programmes rather than political affiliations.
“And to everyone gathered here, particularly those who are not members of our party, I encourage you to make full use of this opportunity. Ask your questions. Seek clarification.
“Listen carefully to the answers. Examine the proposals and make your assessment based on the issues that matter to you and to the future of Osun State. That is the kind of political engagement our democracy needs,” he said.
The August 15 governorship election will see voters across Osun State elect a governor for the next administration.
