Ekiti: Bejide wins ADC governorship ticket

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Canada and ex-Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Ambassador Dare Bejide, has emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the 2026 Ekiti State election.

Bejide secured 15,466 votes to defeat four other aspirants in a closely contested primary election held across the 16 local government areas of the state on Thursday.

Former Deputy Governor Prof. Olusola Eleka came second with 12,003 votes, while Femi Adegbite garnered 9,141 votes. Other aspirants, Emmanuel Fayose and Ayodele Adesua, polled 2,865 and 135 votes, respectively.

Announcing the results on Friday, the Chairman of the ADC Governorship Primary Election Committee, Senator Patricia Akwashiki, described the exercise as peaceful, transparent, and largely credible.

She, however, revealed that results from Emure, Ilejemeje, and Oye Local Government Areas were cancelled due to irregularities observed during the voting process.

“We commend delegates and members for their peaceful conduct throughout the exercise. However, the committee decided to suspend results from Emure, Ilejemeje, and Oye LGAs pending further review,” Akwashiki stated.

She condemned the actions of some party members who allegedly attempted to disrupt the collation process, urging them to remain calm and follow the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanism.

“We appeal for restraint. Any aggrieved aspirant or delegate should direct their complaints to the Appeal Committee established for that purpose,” she advised.

Akwashiki also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, security agencies, and the media for their cooperation, noting that their presence contributed significantly to the credibility of the process.

“INEC officials monitored the exercise from start to finish, and security agencies ensured orderliness at every polling venue. We appreciate their professionalism,” she added.