ADC Decides Against Contesting 2026 Ekiti Election Result, Reveals Fresh Plan

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State has announced that it will not contest the outcome of the June 20, 2026 governorship election, saying it has instead chosen to focus on rebuilding the party and preparing for future elections.

The decision was reached at an expanded meeting of the party’s State Executive Committee (SEC) held on July 9 in Ado Ekiti and presided over by the state chairman, Dr. Bamidele Ekunola.

The resolutions of the meeting were contained in a communiqué issued on Sunday by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Gboyega Aribisogan.

According to the communiqué, the party decided not to pursue legal action after considering legal advice, available evidence, the need to maintain peace in the state and its long-term political strategy.

“The ADC in Ekiti State, after due consideration of legal advice, available evidence, the interest of peace in Ekiti State and the overall strategy of the party, will not proceed to the election petition tribunal to challenge the result of the June 20, 2026, governorship election,” the communiqué stated.

It added, “The party is of the view that litigation at this time will not serve the greater interest of our members, supporters and the people of Ekiti State.”

While acknowledging that it had reservations about some aspects of the electoral process, the party said it had chosen dialogue instead of prolonged legal disputes.

“The ADC reaffirms its commitment to democracy, due process, and the rule of law. While it may have reservations about aspects of the electoral process, the party choose the path of constructive engagement over protracted litigation,” the communiqué said.

The party said it had directed all its organs to immediately shift attention to repositioning the party, reconciling aggrieved members and strengthening its grassroots structures ahead of future elections.

“The SEC resolved and directed all organs of the party to immediately shift focus to repositioning, reconciliation and grassroots mobilisation ahead of future elections,” it stated.

As part of the plan, the ADC said it would establish several committees to develop a roadmap for grassroots mobilisation, candidate identification, party agent selection, training and election preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also directed its reconciliation committee to continue engaging aggrieved members to heal internal divisions and promote unity.

“The ADC in Ekiti State remains one indivisible family committed to internal democracy and collective progress,” the communiqué added.

It also instructed local government and ward executives to begin an aggressive membership drive aimed at attracting more youths, women and professionals into the party through door-to-door campaigns, town hall meetings and stakeholder engagements.

The SEC further expressed confidence in the party’s National Working Committee led by Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, while reaffirming its support for the state leadership under Ekunola. It also commended the party’s governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, and his running mate, Chief Ayodeji Babatola, for their contributions during the election.
The party urged its members and supporters to remain peaceful and united.

“This resolution is taken in good faith and in the best interest of the party and the people of Ekiti State. The SEC calls on all ADC members, supporters, and stakeholders to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding. It urges everyone to avoid statements or actions that may heat up the polity or cause division within the party,” the communiqué stated.

“The committee, therefore, calls on all members to shun divisive tendencies and work together to reposition the ADC as the credible alternative for good governance in Ekiti State and Nigeria.”