Bejide Clinches ADC Ticket, Defeats Eleka, Others in Ekiti Guber Primary

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared former Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, Ambassador Dare Bejide, winner of its governorship primary election held in Ekiti State ahead of the 2026 general elections

Bejide polled 15,466 votes to defeat four other aspirants, including former Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Olusola Eleka, who garnered 12,003 votes. Other contenders — Barr. Femi Adegbite, Otunba Emmanuel Fayose, and Apostle Ayodele Adesua — scored 9,141, 2,865, and 135 votes respectively.

Announcing the result before officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the media, Chairman of the ADC Primary Election Committee, Senator Patricia Naomi Akwashiki, said results from Ilejemeje and Oye Local Governments were stepped down, while that of Emure Local Government was cancelled over irregularities.

Akwashiki described the exercise as peaceful and transparent, commending party members across the 16 local government areas for their large turnout.

She, however, condemned attempts by some individuals to disrupt proceedings at the collation centre and called for calm among aggrieved members.

The committee chair urged aspirants with complaints to channel them to the Appeal Committee set up by the party to address post-primary grievances.

She also appreciated INEC officials, security agencies, and journalists for their roles in ensuring a smooth conduct of the primary election.

The party leadership, in its reaction, commended the state committee and all stakeholders for their efforts and assured that it would work to resolve any disputes arising from the exercise in the spirit of unity and fairness.