The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the results of its Ekiti State governorship primary, naming Ambassador Dare Bejide as the party’s candidate for the June 2026 election. Bejide secured 15,466 votes, surpassing four other contenders, including former Deputy Governor Prof. Olusola Eleka, who received 12,003 votes. Other aspirants were Barr. Femi Adegbite with 9,141 votes, Otunba Emmanuel Fayose with 2,865 votes, and Apostle Ayodele Adesua with 135 votes.
The primary was conducted across the state’s 16 local government areas, but the results from Ilejemeje and Oye LGAs were set aside, and the entire Emure LGA result was cancelled due to alleged irregularities. Senator Patricia Naomi Akwashiki, chairperson of the ADC Primary Election Committee, announced the outcomes in the presence of INEC officials, security agencies, and journalists. She praised party members for their orderly accreditation and voting, while condemning attempts by some individuals to disrupt the collation of results. Akwashiki urged any aggrieved aspirants to lodge complaints with the party’s Appeal Committee, which has been established to review petitions arising from the primary. She also thanked INEC, security agencies, and the media for their cooperation and professionalism throughout the exercise.
The primary was not without incident. Reports emerged of skirmishes in Ikere, Oye, and Emure, allegedly leading to inflated figures and conflicting results. Supporters of Prof. Eleka staged a protest, citing electoral irregularities favoring Bejide, and briefly blocked the announcement of the final results.
With the primary concluded, Ambassador Bejide will lead the ADC’s campaign efforts as the party prepares to face other contenders in the Ekiti 2026 governorship race. The party now turns to mobilizing support and refining its strategy ahead of the June 2026 election, marking a significant milestone in the state’s electoral calendar as campaigns intensify.
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