2026: ADC Declares Dare Bejide Winner Of Ekiti Gov’ship Primary

Barely 24 hours after thugs disrupted the collation of votes at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship primary election in Ekiti State, the party has declared former Ambassador to Canada, Ambassador Dare Bejide, as its governorship candidate for the forthcoming election.

Bejide polled 15,466 votes to defeat four other aspirants, including former Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, who came second with 12,003 votes. Others are Barr. Femi Adegbite with 9,141 votes, Otunba Emmanuel Fayose with 2,865 votes, and Apostle Ayodele Adesua, who scored 135 votes.

Chairman of the ADC Primary Election Committee, Senator Patricia Naomi Akwashiki, who announced the result before officials of INEC, security agencies, and the media, said results from Ilejemeje and Oye Local Government Areas were stepped down, while that of Emure Local Government was cancelled due to irregularities.

She described the election as generally peaceful across the 16 local governments, despite the violent disruption at the collation centre reported earlier, which temporarily halted the counting process.

Akwashiki condemned the actions of the thugs who attempted to frustrate the exercise, calling on party members to remain calm and allow the appeal process to address any grievances.

In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Gboyega Aribisogun, the party commended all aspirants for their commitment and urged those dissatisfied with the process to channel their petitions to the Primary Election Appeal Committee.

He also appreciated INEC, the media, and security agencies for their cooperation and professionalism during the exercise, assuring that the party leadership would resolve any post-primary disputes amicably.