Ex-Canadian High Commissioner Dare Bejide Wins ADC Governorship Ticket in Ekiti, Defeats Eleka

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has concluded its governorship primary election in Ekiti State, with former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, Ambassador Dare Bejide, successfully emerging as the party’s flag bearer for the June 2026 governorship election.

Dependable NG reports that Bejide secured a total of 15,466 votes, defeating four other aspirants in the contest. His closest rival, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Professor Olusola Eleka, came second with 12,003 votes. The other aspirants’ scores were Barr. Femi Adegbite with 9,141 votes, Otunba Emmanuel Fayose with 2,865 votes, and Apostle Ayodele Adesua with 135 votes.

The results were announced by the Chairperson of the ADC Primary Election Committee, Senator Patricia Naomi Akwashiki, in the presence of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and journalists. Akwashiki disclosed that results from Ilejemeje and Oye Local Government Areas were stepped down due to issues, and the entire result from Emure Local Government was completely cancelled following alleged irregularities observed during the exercise.

Senator Akwashiki commended the massive turnout and orderly conduct of party members across the 16 local government areas during the accreditation and voting processes. However, she strongly condemned the actions of certain individuals who attempted to disrupt proceedings at the collation centre, urging party members to exercise restraint and prioritize the unity of the ADC. She further advised any aggrieved aspirants to channel their complaints to the party’s constituted Appeal Committee for review and resolution.

The primary election was not without controversy, as there were reports of skirmishes in areas like Ikere, Oye, and Emure, allegedly leading to the inflation of figures and the submission of conflicting results at the collation centre held in Ado-Ekiti. Furthermore, supporters of Professor Eleka staged a protest, alleging electoral irregularities favored Bejide, which briefly obstructed the announcement of the final results. Ambassador Bejide is now expected to lead the ADC into the Ekiti 2026 governorship race as campaigns intensify across the political landscape in the state.