Ekiti 2026: ADC candidate welcomes defectors, promises improvements in infrastructure and rural development

Dare Bejide, the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Ekiti State, has received new members into his party, pledging to provide essential infrastructure and fast-track rural development to improve living standards across the state.

Speaking at Ikole Ekiti in Ikole Local Government on Thursday, Bejide welcomed about 200 new members who defected from the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.

Thirteen political parties, including the APC, PDP, and ADC, are participating in the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission for June 20.

Highlighting the poor condition of roads leading to Ikole Ekiti, Bejide said, “This (Ikole Road) and other roads in the state that are in deplorable condition will be my priority in government. We will fix them.

“Good roads for smooth movement of persons, goods and agricultural produce are necessary for economic development. They will enhance safety of lives and property as well.

“We will prioritise the welfare of the people, focusing on electricity, quality healthcare, quality education, and food security. These are among reasons the people of Ekiti State should vote for ADC — in summary to have good lives and a developed state.”

Bejide added, “ADC’s manifesto is designed to cater for the needs of the people, regardless of their political or religious affiliations,” assuring the new members that they had become fully integrated into the party.

ADC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Chief Ayodeji Babatola, said the party would bring good governance closer to the people and ensure their involvement in decision-making.

ADC State Chairman, Ilesanmi Omolayo, welcomed the defectors, promising they would receive the same treatment and benefits as existing members.

Segun Akinwunmi, an ADC chieftain and former Commissioner in Ekiti State, noted that lack of autonomy for local governments hindered rural development and urged residents to vote for Bejide to accelerate progress in the area.

One of the defectors, Bamidele Ologuntoye, said the group would work toward the party’s success in the region, explaining, “The organisation, internal democracy and the prospects of ADC are the reasons we decided to dump our former parties and joined ADC.”