APGA Governorship Candidate Steps Down, Backs Oyebamiji

Ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) flagbearer, Adesina Adeyemi-Doro, has withdrawn from the race to pitch his tent with Bola Oyebamiji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement was made during an event tagged ‘Osun Youth Interactive Session with Oyebamiji’, which was put together by the APC Campaign Council in Osogbo.

According to Adeyemi-Doro, his choice to step down followed extensive deliberations with APGA executive members across the state, leading to a formal alignment with the ruling party.

Expressing his decision publicly, Adeyemi-Doro stated: “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. 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. We look forward to a situation where, by the special grace of God, we will deliver Osun State to our governor, Oyebamiji,” he said.

Reacting to the development, Oyebamiji lauded the APGA chieftain for the endorsement and noted his intention to build bridges across other political platforms ahead of the electoral contest.

He noted: “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.” 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, Ayodele Asalu, the Chairman of the Directorate of Youth, Students and Civil Society for the Osun APC Campaign Council, explained that the forum was designed to let young citizens engage candidates directly regarding critical issues like employment, education, and development.

Asalu stated: “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. They want to know how communities will benefit from development and how young people will participate in making the decisions that affect them. 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.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared a total of fourteen political parties to participate in the upcoming poll.