Ekiti 2026: ADC Guber Aspirant Warns Against Vote-Buying

African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant, Ayodele David-Adesua, has warned voters in Ekiti State to resist inducements such as rice gifts and cash from politicians ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

Speaking at his hometown, Ijesa Isu Ekiti, on Saturday during his official declaration to contest for the ADC ticket, David-Adesua urged the electorate to prioritise leadership that would drive development in the state.

He said, “Do not allow yourself to be swayed by bags of rice or small cash gifts. Such practices have always resulted in incompetent leadership, poor governance, and underdevelopment, which Ekiti is currently experiencing.”

David-Adesua assured that, if elected, his administration would implement open-door policies, empower youth and women, and foster growth across all sectors of the economy.

He appealed to party members to support his ambition, commending ADC leadership, aspirants, and supporters for their unity, cohesion, and readiness to take over power in the state in 2026.

The declaration ceremony attracted notable ADC figures, including former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka; former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Gboyega Aribisogan; and governorship aspirants Prof. Muyiwa Babalola and Chief Kayode Eegunjobi.

Olusola-Eleka lauded the party’s atmosphere of peace and unity, expressing confidence that these would enhance ADC’s chances in the governorship election. He urged all aspirants to uphold mutual respect, harmony, and collective purpose as the party moves forward.

Aribisogan, on his part, reaffirmed ADC’s commitment to transparency and assured aspirants of a level playing field in the selection process.

Babalola described David-Adesua’s declaration as a reflection of the party’s deepening internal democracy, while Eegunjobi called on citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and actively participate in the upcoming election, stressing that votes are the key to shaping a better future.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 20, 2026, for the Ekiti State governorship election, with party primaries scheduled between October 20 and November 10, 2025. In ADC, six aspirants, including David-Adesua, ex-banker Adeyinka Alli, former High Commissioner to Canada Dare Bejide, Eegunjobi, Babalola, and ICT expert Emmanuel Fayose, have expressed interest in the governorship ticket.