Ekiti 2026 Guber: Fmr SSG Dare Bejide wins ADC ticket for governorship race

By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Canada and ex-Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Dare Bejide, has clinched the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship ticket for the 2026 election.

Bejide secured 15,466 votes, defeating four rivals: former Deputy Governor Prof. Olusola Eleka (12,003 votes), Barr. Femi Adegbite (9,141 votes), Otunba Emmanuel Fayose (2,865 votes), and Apostle Ayodele Adesua (135 votes).

Chairperson of the ADC Primary Election Committee, Senator Patricia Akwashiki, announced the results at a press briefing attended by INEC officials, security agencies, and the media.

She noted that results from Emure, Ilejemeje, and Oye Local Government Areas were stepped down due to irregularities but described the overall primary as “very peaceful” and commended party members for their massive turnout.

Senator Akwashiki condemned disruptions at the collation centre, urging aggrieved aspirants to channel their complaints to the party’s Appeal Committee. She thanked INEC, security agencies, and the media for their cooperation.

The ADC pledged to resolve any disputes and move forward with an issue-based campaign focused on good governance and economic stability.