Ekiti 2026: Ex-Deputy Governor, Prof. Olusola Eleka Loses ADC Governorship Ticket to Amb. Bejide

Ekiti 2026: Ex-Deputy Governor, Prof. Olusola Eleka Loses ADC Governorship Ticket to Amb. Bejide

The race for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election has taken a dramatic turn as former Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka, lost out in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship primary election held on Thursday.

According to the official results released by the party’s electoral committee, Ambassador Bejide emerged as the ADC flag bearer, polling a total of 16,766 votes, ahead of other contenders.

The full results of the keenly contested primary are as follows:
Amb. Bejide – 16,766 votes
Prof. Olusola Eleka – 12,503 votes
Barr. Adegbite – 9,141 votes
Otunba Fayose – 2,865 votes
Apostle Ayo Adesua – 135 votes

The primary, which was held under tight security across the 16 local government areas of the state, attracted widespread attention as political watchers had earlier predicted a tough battle between Amb. Bejide and Prof. Eleka, both of whom have significant grassroots support.

Ambassador Bejide, a seasoned diplomat and businessman, expressed gratitude to party delegates for their confidence in his leadership, promising to unite the ADC and lead a strong campaign to unseat the ruling party in 2026.

In his concession message, Prof. Eleka, who served as Deputy Governor under Ayodele Fayose between 2014 and 2018, congratulated the winner and urged his supporters to remain calm and committed to the party’s progress.
Political analysts see Bejide’s emergence as a major boost for ADC’s chances in the forthcoming election, positioning the party as a strong third force in the Ekiti political landscape traditionally dominated by the PDP and APC.

With the ADC primary now concluded, attention shifts to how the party will consolidate ahead of the 2026 polls, where Ekiti voters are expected to decide the next direction for the “Land of Honour.”