Ambassador Oluwadare Patrick Bejide, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, announced that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost its political influence in the state.
Speaking at the ADC National Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday after receiving his Certificate of Return, Bejide asserted that only a comprehensive political reform can save Ekiti from its declining infrastructure, low civil service morale, and worsening public opinion. The brief ceremony was presided over by the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Babachir Lawal, who represented the National Chairman, Senator David Mark.
Bejide presented key points of his development strategy to journalists, expressing confidence that Ekiti is prepared for a major political change in 2026. He claimed, “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.”
The governorship aspirant argued that the ADC’s deep grassroots presence makes it the only credible party capable of defeating the APC. He highlighted that essential sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, and civil service welfare have been neglected for too long.
He lamented that Ekiti’s former reputation for excellence has been damaged by “mischief-makers” and pledged, “We are coming to reset the system.”
Bejide also summarized his extensive public service career, which spans three decades in strategic roles. His past positions include serving as State Secretary of the NRC in the old Ondo State; pioneer secretary for both the UNCP and the PDP in Ekiti; running mate to Prof. Tunde Adeniran in the 1999 governorship election; Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada; multiple terms as Secretary to the Ekiti State Government (SSG); and chairing the Federal Medical Centre and the UNHCR Board. He stated that this wealth of experience has equipped him to deliver meaningful reform.
Regarding his policy priorities, Bejide said agriculture would be central, arguing that Ekiti could supply major cities like Lagos and Abuja if its agricultural value chain is properly developed. He also committed to rebuilding public trust by prioritizing the welfare of civil servants, whom he described as the state’s engine room, whose morale is currently low.
He chose the ADC because of the party’s internal harmony, discipline, and fairness, which he said distinguish it from other parties struggling with internal conflicts and legal battles. “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.
Bejide confirmed his readiness for robust grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2026 election, predicting it will be a pivotal moment in the state’s political history. Earlier, ADC Deputy National Chairman Babachir Lawal voiced strong support for Bejide and encouraged Ekiti residents to back him for the state’s future.
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