The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared Ambassador Dare Bejide, a former Nigerian envoy to Canada, as its governorship candidate for the June 20, 2026 election in Ekiti State.
Bejide, who previously served as Secretary to the State Government, polled 15,466 votes to secure the party’s ticket, defeating four other contenders including Deputy Governor Professor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka who came second with 12,003 votes in the direct primaries held across the 16 local government areas on Thursday.
In a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Gboyega Aribisogan, other aspirants recorded the following votes: Barrister Femi Adegbite (9,141), Otunba Emmanuel Fayose (2,865), and Apostle Ayodele Adesua (135).
Announcing the result on Friday morning in the presence of INEC officials, security agencies, and journalists, the Chairperson of the ADC Primary Election Committee, Senator Patricia Naomi Akwashiki, said results from Ilejemeje and Oye LGAs were stepped down, while that of Emure LGA was cancelled due to irregularities.
She praised the exercise as “very peaceful” and commended party members for their large turnout and orderly participation across the state.
However, Akwashiki condemned attempts by some individuals to disrupt proceedings at the collation centre, calling for calm and discipline among members. “We call for restraint and appeal for unity among members as we move forward,” she said.
She advised any aggrieved aspirants to submit their petitions to the Appeal Committee established by the party to review complaints from the exercise.
“The party in its response thanked the State Primary Election Committee, the INEC, media, and all the security agencies for the job done and promised to cooperate with stakeholders to resolve all disputes that may arise from the exercise,” the statement read.
