The African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Ambassador Oluwadare Patrick Bejide, has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has misplaced its political foothold within the state.
Bejide, who spoke on Wednesday on the ADC Nationwide Headquarters in Abuja shortly after receiving his Certificates of Return, stated solely a complete political reset might save Ekiti from its deteriorating infrastructure, declining civil service morale and worsening public notion.
The transient ceremony was chaired by the social gathering’s Deputy Nationwide Chairman, Babachir Lawal, who represented the ADC Nationwide Chairman, Senator David Mark.
Addressing journalists, Bejide unveiled components of his improvement blueprint and expressed optimism that Ekiti was set for a significant political upset in 2026.
“Ekiti individuals desire a new path. The present administration has did not ship on their expectations. From each entry level, whether or not from Kwara or from Ondo, the deplorable state of our roads tells the story. Our persons are demanding real rescue, and we’re able to win this election decisively,” he stated.
The governorship hopeful stated the ADC’s grassroots power positioned it as the one credible various able to dislodging the APC. He emphasised that key sectors equivalent to infrastructure, agriculture and civil service welfare had suffered extended neglect.
“Ekiti as soon as loved a repute for excellence. At the moment, that picture has been eroded as a result of mischief-makers have taken cost. We’re coming to reset the system,” he added.
Bejide additionally mirrored on his lengthy profession in public service, tracing his political journey by three a long time of strategic roles.
He served as State Secretary of the NRC within the previous Ondo State; pioneer secretary of each the UNCP and PDP in Ekiti; and working mate to Prof. Tunde Adeniran within the 1999 governorship election.
He later turned Nigeria’s Excessive Commissioner to Canada and, upon returning residence, served a number of phrases as Secretary to the Ekiti State Authorities.
Bejide additionally chaired the Federal Medical Centre and the UNHCR Board. These experiences, he stated, outfitted him with the depth of information required to ship significant reform.
On his coverage focus, Bejide stated agriculture would play a central function in his administration. He argued that Ekiti’s strategic location provides it the capability to provide main cities like Lagos and Abuja if its agricultural worth chain is correctly developed.
He pledged to rebuild belief in authorities by prioritising the welfare of civil servants, whom he described because the engine room of the state however whose morale has considerably diminished.
Explaining why he selected the ADC, Bejide stated the social gathering’s inner cohesion, self-discipline and equity set it other than others battling inner wrangling and litigation.
“Our social gathering stands on agency floor. We carried out a reputable major that produced me because the candidate, not like others nonetheless entangled in courtroom battles. ADC affords the soundness that governance requires,” he stated.
He reaffirmed his readiness for a sturdy grassroots mobilisation forward of the 2026 ballot, insisting that the approaching election can be a watershed second within the state’s political trajectory.
Earlier in his remarks, ADC Deputy Nationwide Chairman Babachir Lawal expressed robust confidence in Bejide’s candidacy and urged Ekiti residents to assist him for the progress and way forward for the state.
