Stakeholders of African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State have called on the party’s national and state leadership to zone the deputy governorship slot for the 2026 election to Ado-Ekiti.
The stakeholders, comprising five local government chairmen from Ekiti Central Senatorial District, alongside some of their counterparts from Ekiti North, made the demand in a communiqué issued yesterday after their meeting.
The Chairman of ADC in Ado Local Government, Abdulahi Awolokun, said zoning the position to Ado-Ekiti would strengthen the party’s chances in the forthcoming governorship poll and promote a sense of belonging among party members in Ekiti Central Senatorial District.
He said Ado-Ekiti remained the local government area with the highest voting strength in the state and had historically played a decisive role in determining electoral outcomes.
Awolokun said zoning the deputy governorship slot to Ado, particularly to a candidate with strong grassroots support and unalloyed loyalty to the party, would galvanise support and enhance ADC’s prospects in the 2026 governorship race.
The ADC chieftain said since the party’s governorship candidate emerged from Ekiti South Senatorial District, fairness and political balance demanded that the deputy governorship slot be ceded to Ekiti Central, with Ado-Ekiti specifically favoured.
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He hinged their position on the voting strength of Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area and the performance of Adegbite, who recorded significant votes during the party’s primary election in the area.
“It is a fact that the people of Ado-Ekiti are solidly behind Adegbite. If selected as running mate, he will add immense value to the candidacy of Dare Bejide in the 2026 governorship election”, he added.
Former member of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Musa Arogundade, described the demand as justifiable and politically strategic, saying zoning the deputy governorship slot to Ado-Ekiti would strengthen the party’s internal cohesion.
He noted that Ado-Ekiti had consistently delivered the highest number of votes in governorship poll in the state, stressing that no serious political party could afford to overlook such a critical electoral bloc.
The ADC said beyond its voting strength, Ado-Ekiti was adequately endowed with qualified, experienced and capable hands, who possesed the political depth, administrative prowess as well as grassroots connection required to support effective governance.