The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has concluded its governorship primary election ahead of the 2026 Ekiti gubernatorial contest, producing Ambassador Dare Bejide as the party’s flag bearer.
The primary, which was monitored across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, recorded massive participation from delegates and party members who turned out to elect the candidate they believe can reposition the state.
At the end of the vote collation, Ambassador Dare Bejide secured a landslide victory with a total of 16,766 votes, placing him comfortably ahead of other aspirants. Coming in second was the former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka, who polled 12,503 votes, while Barr. Adegbite followed with 9,141 votes. Others in the race included Otunba Fayose, who scored 2,865 votes, and Apostle Ayo Adesua, who recorded 135 votes.
The conduct of the primary election was widely described as peaceful, credible, and transparent, with no major cases of irregularities reported. Party officials and observers commended the arrangement and discipline displayed throughout the exercise, noting that the ADC has demonstrated strong internal democratic values ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In his remarks after the announcement of the results, Ambassador Dare Bejide expressed gratitude to party delegates and supporters for entrusting him with the ticket. He pledged to run an issue-based campaign focused on restoring good governance, promoting economic stability, empowering the youth, and fostering genuine unity in Ekiti State’s political environment. He emphasized that the victory was not his alone but a collective call to service.
Political observers believe that the outcome of the primary positions the ADC to present a credible contest in the 2026 governorship election.
With growing public interest in alternative leadership, analysts say the party may likely attract wider support, especially among young voters and those seeking a shift from traditional political structures in the state.
