As preparations intensify for the June 20, 2026, governorship election in Ekiti State, the political landscape has witnessed a major shift, with high-profile defections from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The event, held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, marked a significant turning point as prominent political figures formally announced their allegiance to the ADC.
Leading the defection were two former deputy governors of the state: Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, who served under ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose, and Dr. Tae Lawal, who held office under ex-Governor Segun Oni.
Joining them in the political migration were other notable figures, including a former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan; former Secretary to the State Government, Dare Bejide; and Mr. Akin Omole, a former Commissioner for Information during Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration. They were accompanied by several former political office holders and executive members from various parties across the state.
During the unveiling ceremony of the ADC in Ado-Ekiti, the party formally received the defectors. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, represented by Professor Bayo Fakunle, was on hand to welcome them and to reassure them of equal treatment and inclusivity within the party.
Atiku commended the courage of the new members and applauded the people of Ekiti State for their past support during his presidential bids.
In his message, Atiku expressed strong confidence in ADC’s capacity to contest and win the 2026 governorship election, asserting that the current administration should begin preparing for a transition. He assured the citizens that the ADC was determined to rescue them from the economic difficulties and administrative failures currently being experienced.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors from the PDP, Prof. Olusola-Eleka stated that the ADC was born out of a collective resolve to confront bad governance and maladministration.
He said the party was a coalition of patriotic Nigerians from different political backgrounds, united by a common goal of restoring accountability, prosperity, and true leadership in the country.
“Our leaders are committed to driving out those whose misrule has brought Nigeria to its knees. With honesty, transparency, and accountability as our guiding principles, we are ready to bring meaningful change,” Olusola-Eleka declared.
“ADC is not just another political party; it is a rescue platform for all who are tired of the status quo and are ready to build a better Nigeria.”
He emphasized the strength and credibility of those behind the coalition, stating that their experience and integrity would inspire hope in the citizens and redefine governance.
“We reject intimidation and any attempt to force a one-party state on Nigerians. The ADC represents the voice of the people and the future of inclusive governance,” he added.
Also addressing the gathering, the Chairman of ADC in Ekiti State, Omolayo Ilesanmi, emphasized that the party in the state was prepared to work closely with its national leadership to chart a new path for Ekiti.
He noted that the upcoming elections in 2026 and 2027 offered a historic opportunity to replace the politics of deceit and corruption with leadership anchored on integrity and service.
“Our party is built on the values of progress, development, honesty, and discipline,” Ilesanmi stated. “We are a movement for genuine leadership, focused on practical solutions and a future where every citizen can succeed.”
According to Ilesanmi, the groundswell of support for ADC was a clear indication that the people of Ekiti were disillusioned with the prevailing political order and yearned for responsive governance. “Our people have suffered enough. They are tired of empty promises and failed leadership. That is why they are ready to embrace ADC,” he said confidently.
Concluding his address, Ilesanmi declared: “We are optimistic that whoever emerges as the ADC candidate in the 2026 governorship election will be elected as the next governor of Ekiti State. The next time we meet, it will be to celebrate our victory together.”