Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State have called on the party leadership to zone the deputy governorship ticket to Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

The demand was made by ADC leaders from Ekiti Central Senatorial District, with the backing of some stakeholders from Ekiti North, during a meeting held in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.

In a communiqué jointly signed by nine local government chairmen of the party, the stakeholders congratulated the ADC governorship candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide, on his emergence as the party’s flag bearer, describing his victory at the primaries as well-earned.

They also commended the party’s national leadership, led by former Senate President, Senator David Mark, as well as the Ekiti State executive committee under Hon. Omotayo Ilesanmi, for conducting what they described as a credible, transparent and rancour-free primary election.

According to the communiqué, the ADC remains the only major political party in Ekiti State whose governorship primary did not result in post-election litigation, a development the stakeholders said underscored the party’s internal cohesion and commitment to democratic values.

With Ambassador Bejide coming from Ekiti South Senatorial District, the stakeholders argued that political balance, fairness and electoral strategy demand that the deputy governorship slot be zoned to Ekiti Central Senatorial District, with Ado-Ekiti specifically recommended.

They described Ado-Ekiti as the political and electoral hub of the state, noting that the local government area has the highest voting strength and plays a decisive role in determining the outcome of governorship elections.

“Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area has the largest voting population in the state, and history has shown that no serious governorship aspirant can succeed without substantial support from Ado,” the communiqué stated.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, the ADC chairman in Ado-Ekiti, Abdullahi Awoloku, said the call was based on political realities rather than sentiment, stressing that the decision would enhance the party’s chances in the 2026 governorship poll.

The stakeholders urged the party’s national and state leadership to consider their request in the interest of unity, inclusiveness and electoral success.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed January 19 for the publication of the final list of governorship candidates and their running mates for the election.