BY OLUWA RAISE-ME-UP
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has concluded its governorship primary election in Ekiti State, with former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, Ambassador Dare Bejide, emerging as the party’s flag bearer for the June 2026 governorship election.
Bejide polled a total of 15,466 votes, defeating four other aspirants, including former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Olusola Eleka, who came second with 12,003 votes. Other aspirants scored as follows: Barr. Femi Adegbite – 9,141 votes, Otunba Emmanuel Fayose – 2,865 votes, and Apostle Ayodele Adesua – 135 votes.
Announcing the results before officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and journalists, Chairperson of the ADC Primary Election Committee, Senator Patricia Naomi Akwashiki, disclosed that results from Ilejemeje and Oye Local Government Areas were stepped down, while that of Emure Local Government was cancelled entirely due to alleged irregularities.
Akwashiki commended party members across the 16 local government areas for their massive turnout and orderly conduct during the accreditation and voting processes. However, she condemned the actions of some individuals who attempted to disrupt proceedings at the collation centre, urging members to exercise restraint and prioritize the unity of the party.
She further advised any aggrieved aspirants to channel their complaints to the party’s Appeal Committee, which has been constituted to review and address petitions arising from the primary election.
Akwashiki also expressed appreciation to INEC officials, security agencies, and members of the press for their cooperation and professional conduct throughout the exercise.
Meanwhile, there were reports of skirmishes during the election in Ikere, Oye, and Emure, which allegedly led to inflation of figures and submission of conflicting results at the collation centre held at Amor Hotels, Ado-Ekiti. Supporters of Prof. Eleka also staged a protest, alleging electoral irregularities in favour of Bejide and briefly obstructed the announcement of the final results.
Election committee members are:
✓Senator Ahmed Baba Kaita Chairman
✓Prince Chinedu Idigo Secretary
✓ Mrs Lauretta Onochie
✓ Prof Bode Ayorinde
✓ Barr IKECHUKWU Nwakwo and others
Ambassador Bejide is expected to lead the ADC into the Ekiti 2026 governorship race as campaigns intensify across political parties in the state.