Ekiti 2026: ADC Welcomes Defectors As Ex-Banker Announces Governorship Bid.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State has gained significant momentum ahead of the 2026 governorship election, welcoming a wave of high-profile defectors from major political parties while former banker Prince Adeyinka Alli declared his candidacy for governor. The defections, marked by a grand unveiling event in Ado-Ekiti, signal a growing coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the June 2026 poll.
Among the prominent defectors are former Deputy Governors Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, who served under ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose, and Dr. Tae Lawal, who served under ex-Governor Segun Oni. They were joined by former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Gboyega Aribisogan, former Secretary to the State Government, Ambassador Dare Bejide, and ex-Commissioner for Information under ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi, Akin Omole, alongside other political heavyweights from the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP). The ADC’s State Chairman, Ilesanmi Omolayo, described the defections as a “symbol of unity and shared vision,” emphasising the party’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and people-oriented governance.
Prince Adeyinka Alli, a seasoned banker and human resource professional, formally announced his governorship bid under the ADC banner during a declaration event in Itapa-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area. Alli promised a major economic turnaround for Ekiti, leveraging his extensive experience in business and finance. “Our people are yearning for change—a real turnaround that will deliver growth, prosperity, and dignity,” he said, highlighting plans to reform the state’s educational system to be practical and solution-driven while repositioning agriculture for food security, job creation, and wealth generation. He also pledged to harness Ekiti’s untapped natural resources and tourism potential to boost revenue and employment.
The ADC’s growing influence was further underscored by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, represented by Prof. Bayo Fakunle at the unveiling, who assured defectors of equal treatment within the party. Atiku expressed confidence that the ADC would defeat the APC in 2026, citing widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration’s performance in infrastructure and economic development. Omolayo echoed this sentiment, stating, “Whoever emerges as our candidate will become the governor of Ekiti State. We are here to replace politics driven by corruption with a government that serves the people.”
As the ADC positions itself as a credible alternative, Alli’s candidacy and the influx of political heavyweights signal a formidable challenge to the APC’s dominance. With the governorship primaries scheduled between October and November 2025, the ADC’s coalition is poised to reshape Ekiti’s political landscape, promising a future rooted in progress, integrity, and inclusive leadership.
