The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Ambassador Oluwadare Patrick Bejide, has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) no longer holds political sway in the state.
Speaking at the ADC National Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday after receiving his Certificate of Return, Bejide said only a full-scale political and administrative reset can pull Ekiti out of its current decline — from poor infrastructure to a demoralised civil service and growing public dissatisfaction.
The brief presentation ceremony was chaired by the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Babachir Lawal, who represented ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark.
Addressing journalists, Bejide unveiled key components of his development agenda and projected that Ekiti is on course for a major political upset in the 2026 governorship election.
“Ekiti people want a new direction. The current administration has failed to meet their expectations. From every entry point, whether through Kwara or Ondo, the deplorable roads speak for themselves. Our people are demanding genuine rescue, and we are ready to win this election decisively,” he said.
Bejide argued that the ADC’s deep-rooted grassroots presence places it in a unique position to unseat the APC, noting that critical sectors — including infrastructure, agriculture and civil service welfare — have been neglected for too long.
“Ekiti once enjoyed a reputation for excellence. Today, that image has been eroded because mischief-makers are in charge. We are coming to reset the system,” he declared.
The former diplomat traced his political journey spanning three decades, including roles as State Secretary of the NRC in old Ondo State, pioneer secretary of both the UNCP and PDP in Ekiti, and running mate to Prof. Tunde Adeniran in the 1999 governorship election. He also served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada and later as Secretary to the Ekiti State Government across multiple terms. He chaired both the Federal Medical Centre and the UNHCR Board.
These experiences, he said, provide the depth needed to drive meaningful reforms.
Bejide listed agriculture as a central pillar of his proposed administration, stressing that Ekiti’s strategic location offers significant potential to supply major Nigerian cities like Lagos and Abuja once the agricultural value chain is fully developed.
He also pledged to rebuild trust in government by improving civil service welfare, describing civil servants as the “engine room” of governance whose morale has been badly damaged.
Explaining his choice of party, Bejide said the ADC’s unity and credible internal processes set it apart from others battling factions and litigation.
“Our party stands on firm ground. We conducted a credible primary that produced my candidacy, unlike others still entangled in court battles. ADC offers the stability that governance requires,” he said.
He reaffirmed his readiness for an extensive grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2026 race, insisting that the coming election will mark a turning point in the state’s political history.
In his remarks, ADC Deputy National Chairman Babachir Lawal expressed confidence in Bejide’s candidacy and urged Ekiti residents to rally behind him for the state’s progress and future.
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