The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dare Bejide, on Wednesday expressed confidence that his party would win the June 20, 2026 election and form the next government in the state.
Bejide, a former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, said the party’s growing popularity, unity among leaders, and rising public dissatisfaction with the current government would give ADC an advantage.
“The party’s popularity, unity of purpose and cooperation among leaders and members, coupled with the growing disenchantment with the present government in the state, will give our party the edge in the election,” Bejide told party members at the ADC state secretariat in Ado Ekiti.
He had earlier visited the party’s national secretariat in Abuja to formally receive his nomination as the party’s governorship candidate. Bejide commended the four aspirants who contested with him in the party primaries, noting that their support would strengthen the party ahead of the election.
“We are going to win the forthcoming governorship election and will have formed government at the Ayoba Government House by this time next year. I am the next governor of Ekiti State,” Bejide said, urging party members to remain united and committed to the campaign.
In a symbolic gesture, Bejide led members to a popular church in Ado Ekiti to present the party ticket in prayers and thanksgiving, stating, “I’m taking this ticket to church for dedication because I believe all powers belong to God. You cannot get anything without the approval of God.”
ADC State Chairman, Ilesanmi Omolayo, expressed confidence that Bejide’s candidacy would deliver victory for the party, praising the unity among aspirants and party members. The Chairman of the reception committee, Akin Omole, encouraged members to continue working toward the party’s success.
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Bejide emerged as ADC’s candidate on November 7 after defeating four other aspirants in the party primary conducted across 177 wards. According to ADC State Publicity Secretary Gboyega Aribisogan, Bejide scored 15,766 votes; former Deputy Governor Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka received 12,003 votes; legal practitioner Femi Adegbite got 9,141 votes; ICT expert Isaac Fayose secured 2,865 votes; and businessman Ayodele Adesua had earlier stepped down.
Senator Patricia Akwashiki, Chairman of the ADC Primary Election Committee, described the primary as peaceful, with large turnout across all 16 local government areas, and advised aspirants with complaints to approach the party’s Appeal Committee.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the Ekiti State governorship election for June 20, 2026.