Abelardo De la Espriella gains Nariño conservative support while basilica denies campaign endorsement

Presidential candidate Abelardo De la Espriella announced he will conclude his campaign at the Basilica of the Lord of Miracles in Buga, a move that sparked controversy. The basilica issued a statement clarifying it does not endorse any candidacy, saying “we do not participate in political‑electoral activities” and that his visit is personal and private.

In Nariño, more than a thousand conservative leaders from the department’s 64 municipalities gathered at Club Colombia to publicly back De la Espriella. Speakers including former senator Myriam Paredes Aguirre and departmental conservative director Oscar Fernando Bravo praised his values, security policies and plans to seek international allies such as the United States. Paredes said, “mostramos nuestra fuerza,” while Bravo expressed confidence the candidate will win the upcoming election.

De la Espriella’s main rival, senator Iván Cepeda, remains in the race for the second‑round runoff scheduled for 21 June. The basilica’s clarification and the Nariño conservatives’ endorsement illustrate the heightened political activity as the Colombian presidential election approaches its final stage.