Ekiti’s Political Landscape Shifts as Top Politicians Join ADC for 2026, 2027 Elections

In a dramatic political development, Ekiti State is witnessing a major shift as several high-ranking politicians have defected from the country’s two leading parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The wave of defections, which has shaken the state’s political foundation, is seen as a move to mount a formidable challenge in the run-up to the 2026 and 2027 general elections.

The list of defectors includes a number of influential political figures who once held significant roles in previous administrations. These include former Deputy Governors, Secretaries to the State Government (SSGs), Commissioners, and other senior officials who served under the leadership of former Governors Ayodele Fayose, Kayode Fayemi, and Segun Oni.

Among the most notable names now flying the ADC flag are Professor Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, a former Deputy Governor; Dipo Anisulowo, ex-Chief of Staff; Modupe Alade, former SSG; Gbenga Faseluka, a past Head of Service; Akin Omole, an ex-Commissioner during Fayemi’s administration; Sikiru Lawal; Ambassador Dare Bejide; and Gboyega Aribisogan, a former Speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly.

At a well-attended defection ceremony held in the state capital, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Eleka addressed the crowd, stating that the move was not just political but part of a broader national effort to save Nigeria from what he described as a declining governance system under President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

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“ADC is the most purposeful political platform today,” he asserted. “We are not here just to oppose; we are here to rebuild. This party represents true ideology, inclusivity, and hope. We are on a mission to rescue Nigeria from failed leadership and restore the dignity of governance.”

Eleka emphasized that the African Democratic Congress, powered by a coalition of respected national figures such as former Senate President David Mark, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, has become the nation’s best chance at restoring faith in democracy.

He added, “People are tired of being trapped in the same old cycle of promises and betrayals. The ADC is a coalition of experienced, credible, and reform-driven leaders who are ready to offer Nigerians an alternative to corruption and one-party domination.”

In a statement delivered through Professor Bayo Fakunle, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar sent his appreciation to the people of Ekiti for their past support during his presidential campaigns and urged them to throw their weight behind the ADC going forward.

“This is more than a political gathering,” Fakunle said. “It’s a rescue operation. Nigeria must be saved from economic decay, insecurity, and political paralysis, and that begins with realignment. I urge every Nigerian, especially in Ekiti, to support this movement.”

Also speaking at the event, former Commissioner Akin Omole explained that his defection was not rooted in any personal vendetta but based on principle. According to him, the ADC provides the most credible platform to serve the interests of the people of Ekiti.

“My decision is based on deep reflection. The ADC’s policies and vision align with the kind of future we want for our people. This is about development, justice, and people-centered governance,” he explained.

The state chairman of the ADC, Omolayo Ilesanmi, praised the influx of prominent leaders into the party, calling it a “symbol of unity, integrity, and shared ambition.” He further described the movement as a political rebirth grounded in discipline, honesty, and democratic values.

As anticipation builds for the next election cycle, Ilesanmi encouraged all eligible voters in Ekiti to secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that active participation would be the key to ushering in a new political era.

With these defections, the African Democratic Congress is rapidly emerging as a serious contender in Ekiti’s political landscape. Whether this coalition can reshape the future of the state and the nation at large remains to be seen, but the message is clear: the status quo is being challenged like never before.