By: Goodluck E. Adubazi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, formally presented Ambassador Oluwadare Bejide Patrick with the party’s certificate of return as its governorship candidate for the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State election.

The brief but symbolic ceremony held at the ADC national headquarters in Abuja marked what party leaders described as “a defining moment” for the opposition party as it prepares for its biggest electoral test in the South-West.

Presenting the certificate on behalf of the ADC National Chairman, His Excellency David Mark, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, said the party is united behind Patrick’s candidacy.

“We are here to present this certificate to the ADC candidate for the Ekiti governorship election. On behalf of our National Chairman, I formally hand over this mandate to our flagbearer,” Lawal stated.

Addressing journalists shortly after receiving the certificate, Ambassador Patrick expressed gratitude to the party and pledged to run an issues-based, people-centered campaign. He described his emergence as “a rare privilege” and assured party stakeholders that he intends to become “the first ADC candidate to win a governorship election in Nigeria.”

“My first assignment is to rally all aspirants and unify the house. By the grace of God, I will be the first governor-elect produced by this party,” he said.

Patrick promised a radical transformation of Ekiti’s fortunes, insisting that the state’s vast agricultural potential can be harnessed to feed major cities such as Lagos and Abuja.

“Ekiti has enough fertile land to drive massive agro-production. Once elected, we will revive the old values that made the Ekiti people respected nationwide. Agriculture, public service welfare, and infrastructure renewal will be top priorities,” he said.

He lamented what he described as the deterioration of Ekiti’s infrastructure and social reputation, blaming years of poor governance.

“Bad elements have taken over the narrative of Ekiti. We will change that. We will restore dignity, develop our farms, support workers, and return value to our people,” he added.

Patrick, a long-standing member of the political class with a career dating back to the old Ondo State, recalled serving as Secretary of the NRC, founding Secretary of the USDP, and pioneer Secretary of the PDP in Ekiti.

He insisted that the ADC remains “the party to beat” in the 2026 race, noting that while other parties are engulfed in factional crises and court battles, the ADC stands united.

“ADC stands for transparency, democracy, and good governance. We conducted a credible primary that produced me as a candidate. While others are still in court, we are already preparing for victory. This is the best platform for any serious contender,” he stated.

With the certificate in hand, Patrick said the campaign will kick off in earnest, assuring supporters that “ADC is not just contesting — we are contesting to win.”