The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide, has expressed confidence in defeating the incumbent ruling party in Ekiti State, citing the current state realities as the basis for his assurance.
Bejide, promising victory in the June 20, 2026, Ekiti governorship election, made the pledge today in Abuja during the presentation of his nomination certificate by the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, who expressed confidence in Bejide’s ability to win, reports The Nation.
Represented by the Deputy National Chairman (North East), Babachir Lawal, Mark called on Ekiti people to rally round Bejide so that the fortune of the State will be transformed.
In his acceptance speech, Bejide, who expressed confidence in the party’s chances, stressed that the current administration in Ekiti has failed to meet public expectations.
“At the moment, the Ekiti state government is not doing well for the people, and they are looking for a change, a change in respect of provision of infrastructure,” he said.
He noted that travellers entering the state from neighbouring areas begin to face the ordeal of bad roads, “So, the people are looking for somebody who will solve their situation, and that is why our position is very relevant,” he added, insisting that voters were ready for leadership that could address their challenges.
He promised a focused and competitive campaign, “We are going to win, we are going to run a good campaign in Ekiti state. We are going to run a good campaign, and we are going to win.
“We are not just contesting for the purpose of it, we are contesting to win the election, and I can assure you we are going to do well,” he said.
Bejide, who has been a political elite in the state and has held several party and official positions including Secretary to the State Government, Ambassador to Canada since the days of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC) and the aborted 3rd Republic, said this background prepared him for the governorship.
“I believe that experience is enough for me to be governor of the state,” he said, while outlining his priorities if elected, including infrastructure development, transparency, value restoration, agriculture, and public service reform.
“I’m bringing on board good infrastructure. I’m bringing on board transparency in governance. I’m also bringing on board the area of revival of the old values of Ekiti people,” he added.
Asked why he chose the ADC as the platform to pursue his ambitions, he said the party offered stability and integrity.
“If you look at the matrix of the party, the party stands for transparency, the party stands for democracy, and the party stands for good governance.
“Those are the attractions. If you look at the other parties as of today, they are either fragmented, divided, or factionalized, but our party stands firmly on solid ground. We conducted a primary, which has resulted in my emergence as the candidate of the party. Up till today, the other parties are in court,” he said.
