ADC Won't Contest Ekiti Governorship Election Results

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Ekiti State, has announced it will not contest the results of the governorship election held on June 20.

Instead, the party plans to focus on “constructive engagement” and grassroots efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This decision was shared in a statement after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting in Ado Ekiti on Saturday. The meeting was led by the party’s state chairman, Bamidele Ekunola.

In the statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Olugboyega Aribisogan, ADC mentioned that going to court would not benefit its members, supporters, or the people of Ekiti State.

“While we may have reservations about aspects of the electoral process, the party chooses the path of constructive engagement over protracted litigation,” the statement said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that the current governor, Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won the election.

Mr Oyebanji received 319,231 votes, defeating his nearest rival, Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 40,543 votes.

Oluwadare Bejide of the ADC came in third with 12,872 votes.

The SEC has instructed all its branches to focus on reconciliation, grassroots mobilization, and strengthening ADC’s presence across the 177 wards in the state.

They decided to set up a State Repositioning and Restructuring Committee to create a plan for grassroots reactivation. This includes identifying candidates, training party agents, and preparing for the elections in 2027.

The SEC also asked the State Ad-hoc Committee on Reconciliation and Mobilization to keep engaging with dissatisfied members and groups to mend divisions. They emphasized that they are “one indivisible family committed to internal democracy and collective progress.”

Local Government Areas and Ward Executives have been directed to start “immediate and aggressive” membership drives, focusing on young people, women, and professionals. This will involve door-to-door campaigns, town hall meetings, and meeting with stakeholders.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to discipline. It instructed the State Anti-Party and Disciplinary Committee to look into cases of anti-party actions, impersonation, and any behavior that could harm the party’s reputation.

Following guidance from the National Working Committee, the SEC has ordered the State Working Committee to create the Ekiti State Atiku/Amaechi Campaign Mobilization Committee.

Once established, this committee will rally support for the Atiku/Amaechi presidential candidates, as well as all National and State Assembly candidates. They will also coordinate voter education across the 16 LGAs.

“The ADC remains committed to providing credible opposition and alternative leadership for Ekiti State. We will continue to hold the government accountable and work to ensure that the interests of the Ekiti people are protected,” the statement concluded.