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

Bejide polled 15,466 votes, defeating four other aspirants. Former Deputy Governor Prof. Olusola Eleka came second with 12,003 votes, while other contenders scored as follows: Barr. Femi Adegbite – 9,141 votes, Otunba Emmanuel Fayose – 2,865 votes, and Apostle Ayodele Adesua – 135 votes.

Announcing the results before officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and journalists, Senator Patricia Naomi Akwashiki, Chairperson of the ADC Primary Election Committee, disclosed that results from Ilejemeje and Oye Local Government Areas were stepped down, while that of Emure Local Government was cancelled entirely due to alleged irregularities.

Akwashiki commended party members across the 16 local government areas for their massive turnout and orderly conduct but condemned attempts by some individuals to disrupt proceedings at the collation centre. She urged members to exercise restraint and prioritize party unity, and advised aggrieved aspirants to channel complaints to the party’s Appeal Committee.

There were reports of skirmishes during the election in Ikere, Oye, and Emure, which allegedly led to inflated figures and conflicting results at the collation centre held at Amor Hotels, Ado-Ekiti. Supporters of Prof. Eleka staged a brief protest, alleging electoral irregularities in favour of Bejide.

Ambassador Bejide is now expected to lead the ADC into the Ekiti 2026 governorship race as campaigns intensify across parties in the state.