The African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Ambassador Oluwadare Patrick Bejide, has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has lost its political foothold in the state.
Bejide, who spoke on Wednesday at the ADC National Headquarters in Abuja shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return, said only a comprehensive political reset could save Ekiti from its deteriorating infrastructure, declining civil service morale and worsening public perception.
The brief ceremony was chaired by the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Babachir Lawal, who represented the ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark.
Addressing journalists, Bejide unveiled elements of his development blueprint and expressed optimism that Ekiti was set for a major political upset in 2026.
“Ekiti people want a new direction. The current administration has failed to deliver on their expectations. From every access point, whether from Kwara or from Ondo, the deplorable state of our roads tells the story. Our people are demanding genuine rescue, and we are ready to win this election decisively,” he said.
The governorship hopeful said the ADC’s grassroots strength positioned it as the only credible alternative capable of dislodging the APC. He emphasised that key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture and civil service welfare had suffered prolonged neglect.
“Ekiti once enjoyed a reputation for excellence. Today, that image has been eroded because mischief-makers have taken charge. We are coming to reset the system,” he added.
Bejide also reflected on his long career in public service, tracing his political journey through three decades of strategic roles.
He served as State Secretary of the NRC in the 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 later became Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada and, upon returning home, served multiple terms as Secretary to the Ekiti State Government.
Bejide also chaired the Federal Medical Centre and the UNHCR Board. These experiences, he said, equipped him with the depth of knowledge required to deliver meaningful reform.
On his policy focus, Bejide said agriculture would play a central role in his administration. He argued that Ekiti’s strategic location gives it the capacity to supply major cities like Lagos and Abuja if its agricultural value chain is properly developed.
He pledged to rebuild trust in government by prioritising the welfare of civil servants, whom he described as the engine room of the state but whose morale has significantly diminished.
Explaining why he chose the ADC, Bejide said the party’s internal cohesion, discipline and fairness set it apart from others battling internal wrangling and litigation.
“Our party stands on firm ground. We conducted a credible primary that produced me as the candidate, unlike others still entangled in court battles. ADC offers the stability that governance requires,” he said.
He reaffirmed his readiness for a robust grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2026 poll, insisting that the coming election would be a watershed moment in the state’s political trajectory.
Earlier in his remarks, ADC Deputy National Chairman Babachir Lawal expressed strong confidence in Bejide’s candidacy and urged Ekiti residents to support him for the progress and future of the state.
