Ekiti 2026: ADC’s Bejide Vows Victory

Ambassador Dare Bejide, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) flagbearer for the Ekiti State governorship election, has reiterated his strong belief in securing victory on June 20, 2026. Speaking at the party secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, the former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada attributed his optimism to the party’s rising popularity, internal cohesion, and widespread frustration with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration, particularly its handling of infrastructure like poor access roads. ​ Bejide, a veteran politician with over 30 years of experience including roles as Ekiti’s Secretary to the State Government and pioneer secretary for parties like PDP and UNCP, emphasized that these factors position ADC to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC). ​

Primary Victory

Bejide emerged as ADC’s candidate on November 7, 2025, after polling 15,766 votes in primaries across 177 wards, defeating rivals like former Deputy Governor Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka (12,003 votes), lawyer Femi Adegbite (9,141 votes), ICT expert Isaac Fayose (2,865 votes), and businessman Ayodele Adesua. ​ Senator Patricia Akwashiki, who chaired the primary committee, described the process as peaceful despite cancellations in some local governments due to irregularities. He praised the four other aspirants for their post-primary support, which he said bolsters the party’s campaign. ​

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Campaign Promises

Bejide outlined priorities such as infrastructure upgrades, transparent governance, agricultural revival, public service reforms, and restoring Ekiti’s core values if elected. ​ He chose ADC for its stability amid rivals’ internal crises, vowing a robust campaign to form the next government at Ayoba Government House. In a faith-driven move, he led members to a church in Ado-Ekiti for prayers over his nomination form, declaring that divine approval underpins success. ​

ADC State Chairman Ilesanmi Omolayo hailed Bejide’s selection as a path to “peace and liberation,” while reception committee chair Akin Omole urged sustained unity. ​ The INEC-scheduled poll pits Bejide against contenders like APC’s incumbent Oyebanji and PDP’s Wole Oluyede, in a race drawing national attention.