“I will redress the underdevelopment which Ekiti State has faced in all sectors of the economy. My people and growth-centred administration will implement open-door policies, empower youth and women, and foster development across the state”
By John Odunayo
The atmosphere.was electric as political leaders, members and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gathered at Ijesa Isu Ekiti in Ikole Local Government area of Ekiti State on Saturday.
The gathering was for the declaration by a chieftain, businessman and philanthropist, Apostle Ayodele David-Adesua, of his intent to contest for the office of the governor of the state on the party’s platform.
David-Adesua, not pleased with the way the state is being run at present, is interested in bringing a change to ensure development and prosperity of the state and its people.
Chants of solidarity rented the air as governorship aspirants of the party came to grace the declaration – a loud statement on the ADC’s growing momentum under a collective leadership driven by competence, unity, and progressive ideals and of readiness of the party to occupy the exalted governorship office of the state come 2026.
Observers note that with its deepening cohesion, quality aspirants, and inclusive ethos, the ADC is fast emerging as a strong and credible alternative ahead of the 2026 Ekiti governorship election.
David-Adesua, who said his eyes on the governorship position was to bring positive change, cautioned the electorate in the state against being deceived again with rice gifts and cash token to sell their votes and indeed growth of the state in the June 20, 2026 governorship election in the state.
He said, “The result of being swayed with rice gifts and cash token during election has always been incompetent leadership, poor governance and lack of development as is the case in Ekiti now”.
The businessman and politician, urged Ekiti people, “Do not to be deceived by bags of rice and little cash during electioneering, which might make people change their minds from voting for the right leader. Shun these enticements and vote right for development.
The ADC aspirant, who assured that as governor, he would redress “the underdevelopment which the state has faced in all sectors of the economy. My people and growth-centred administration will implement open-door policies, empower youth and women, and foster development across the state”.
While seeking party members’ support to emerge as the party’s candidate, David-Adesua hailed the party leadership, governorship aspirants, members and supporters in attendance at the event, saying it was a demonstration of the unity, cohesion, quality and readiness to take over power in the state through the 2026 election.
Among ADC chieftains in attendance were a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka; former Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Gboyega Aribisogan; and governorship aspirants Prof. Muyiwa Babalola, and Chief Kayode Eegunjobi.
A former deputy governor, Olusola-Eleka, lauded the prevailing atmosphere of peace, unity, and cooperation within the ADC in Ekiti State, expressing confidence that these would positively impact on the anticipated success in the governorship election.
He urged all governorship aspirants to “uphold this spirit of mutual respect, harmony and collective purpose as the party moves forward in its journey toward the forthcoming election”.
ADC chieftain and former Speaker, Aribisogan, who expressed delight at the impressive turnout, reaffirmed ADC’s commitment to transparency and credibility in the selection process, assuring party members that all aspirants would be provided with level playing field ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
A governorship aspirant, Babalola lauded Adesua for his courage and dedication, describing the declaration as “a reflection of the party’s deepening internal democracy and transparency.”
Babalola, who said ADC was blessed with credible and visionary aspirants with passion for repositioning Ekiti State on the foundations of integrity, innovation, and inclusive development, said, “This is not about competition but collaboration. We are united by the mission to rescue and rebuild Ekiti through visionary and people-centered leadership”
In his remark, another aspirant, Eegunjobi said, “ADC remains the only credible alternative party capable of bringing true change to Ekiti State. It is in this light that I urged all citizens to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and get ready to participate actively in the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election. Our votes are our power to shape a better future”.
The Ekiti State governorship election will hold on June 20, 2026, consequent upon which the Independent National Electoral commission has fixed between October 20 and November 10, 2025 for party primaries to select the candidates of the participating parties.
In ADC, no fewer than six aspirants – David Adesua; an ex-banker, Adeyinka Alli; a former High Commissioner to Canada, Dare Bejide; Eegunjobi; Babalola; and ICT expert, Emmanuel Fayose – have indicated interest in the party’s governorship ticket.
