Ekiti 2026: ADC Rejects Tribunal, Begins 2027 Mobilisation

ADC Rejects Tribunal, Shifts Focus to 2027
The African Democratic Congress in Ekiti State has decided not to challenge the outcome of the June 20 governorship election at the Election Petition Tribunal, choosing instead to concentrate on rebuilding the party and preparing for future elections.

The decision was reached during an expanded meeting of the party’s State Executive Committee held in Ado Ekiti on July 9. The meeting, chaired by the state chairman, Dr. Bamidele Ekunola, was attended by members of the State Executive Committee, State Working Committee, local government chairmen, women and youth leaders, zonal leaders and other stakeholders. The resolutions were later made public by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Gboyega Aribisogan.

According to the party, legal advice, the available facts, the interest of peace in Ekiti State and its long-term political plans informed the decision not to approach the tribunal. The ADC said pursuing a legal battle would not serve the best interests of its members, supporters or the people of the state at this time.

The party stated that although it had concerns about aspects of the electoral process, it had chosen constructive political engagement over prolonged litigation. It said its attention would now be directed towards strengthening the party’s structure and expanding its support base across the state.

The State Executive Committee also reaffirmed its confidence in the National Working Committee led by Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. It pledged the full support of the Ekiti chapter toward building a united, disciplined and competitive political party ahead of future elections.

The committee commended the party’s governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, and his running mate, Chief Ayodeji Babatola, for their efforts during the election and their contributions to the growth of the ADC in Ekiti State.

As part of its new strategy, the party directed all its organs to begin reconciliation and grassroots mobilisation immediately. It announced plans to establish a State Repositioning and Restructuring Committee that will develop strategies for rebuilding the party, identifying future candidates, training party agents and improving election preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The committee also instructed its reconciliation team to continue engaging members and groups with grievances in order to restore unity within the party. It described the ADC in Ekiti as one family committed to internal democracy and collective progress.

In addition, local government and ward executives were directed to begin aggressive membership drives aimed at attracting more youths, women and professionals into the party through door-to-door campaigns, town hall meetings and stakeholder engagements.

The ADC also restated its commitment to party discipline and ordered its disciplinary committee to investigate reported cases of anti-party activities, impersonation and any conduct capable of damaging the party’s reputation. Members were urged to respect party decisions and work together to strengthen the organisation.

The meeting further approved the creation of the Ekiti State Abubakar Atiku and Rotimi Amaechi Campaign Mobilisation Committee in line with the national leadership’s coalition plans. The committee will be responsible for mobilising support for the party’s presidential, National Assembly and state House of Assembly candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party said it would continue to hold the state government accountable while working to protect the interests of Ekiti residents, urging members and supporters to remain peaceful, avoid actions capable of creating division and concentrate on building the ADC into a stronger political force for future elections.