Ekiti 2026: ADC candidate receives defectors, pledges infrastructure, rural development

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Ekiti State, Dare Bejide, has received new members into the party with a pledge to provide the required infrastructure and accelerate rural development to ensure residents live decent lives in all parts of the state.

Bejide spoke at Ikole Ekiti in the Ikole Local Government area of the state on Thursday while receiving about 200 new members, who said they joined from the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.

No fewer than 13 political parties including the APC, PDP and ADC are participating in the Ekiti State governorship election which the Independent National Electoral Commission has slated for June 20.

The ADC candidate, who bemoaned the state of the road leading to Ikole Ekiti, 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.

“ADC’s manifesto is designed to cater for the needs of the people, regardless of their political or religious affiliations,” Bejide said, assuring the new members they had become part and parcel of the party

ADC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Chief Ayodeji Babatola, told the gathering that the party would bring good governance closer to the people and ensure they were involved in decision-making.

Also speaking, the ADC State Chairman, Ilesanmi Omolayo, who welcomed the defectors to his party, assured that they would be treated equally and enjoy the same benefits as existing members.

ADC chieftain and former Commissioner in Ekiti State, Segun Akinwunmi, who said lack of autonomy for local governments was a hindrance to rural development, urged residents to vote for Bejide for accelerated development in the area.

One of the defectors, Bamidele Ologuntoye, said the defectors would work towards the party’s victory in the area.

Ologuntoye said, “The organisation, internal democracy and the prospects of ADC are the reasons we decided to dump our former parties and joined ADC.”

Culled from punch