The African Democratic Congress (ADC), on Wednesday, presented a certificate of return to Oluwadare Bejide as its flag-bearer for the June 2026 Ekiti governorship election.

The deputy national chairman of the party, Babachir Lawal, who presented the certificate, urged Mr Bejide to proceed to Ekiti and ensure victory for the party.

In his remarks, Mr Bejide stated that if elected, he would prioritise infrastructural development across Ekiti to drive stronger growth, enhance public services, and improve community wellbeing.

He pledged to restore cherished Ekiti values by promoting integrity, cultural pride, responsible leadership, and unity, which he said would help citizens reclaim the identity that once defined the state.

He emphasised that agriculture would be a central priority because it supports economic progress, creates employment opportunities, and ensures long-term sustainable development.

Mr Bejide said he also committed to boosting human capital development and reforming the civil service to encourage professionalism, enhance efficiency, strengthen institutions, and build a more effective and responsive governance structure.

The governorship candidate stressed that he chose the ADC because it remained stable, unified, and service-driven, noting that other political parties were struggling with persistent internal crises.

He maintained that other parties were fragmented or troubled, leaving the ADC as the only dependable platform offering unity, credible leadership, and strong commitment to democratic principles.

He explained that the ADC promoted democracy, transparency, good governance, and accountable leadership, describing these values as essential foundations for delivering responsible administration and meaningful progress for Ekiti.

Mr Bejide stated that, as a former two-time secretary to the Ekiti State government under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he understood what the people truly needed.

He added that his political journey began before Ekiti was created, serving as state secretary of the NRC in old Ondo State when Ikimi was chairman.

He recalled becoming the pioneer secretary of the UNCP in Ekiti when leaders such as Olajide, Niyi Adebayo, and Babalola were contesting under the newly established platform.

He said he later became the pioneer PDP secretary in Ekiti, ran as Adeniran’s running mate in 1999, and was subsequently appointed ambassador to Canada.

Upon returning from diplomatic service, he served again as secretary to the Ekiti State government, and was reappointed under an acting governor, and later returned to the same position.

He added that he also chaired the Federal Medical Centre and served with UNHCR, insisting that his collective experiences adequately equipped him to govern Ekiti effectively.

(NAN)