By Charles Pemu 
ADO-EKITI– Ekiti State’s political landscape is poised for a significant shake-up as prominent loyalists and former aides of ex-Governors Ayodele Fayose, Kayode Fayemi, and Segun Oni have officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This strategic move is expected to complicate the electoral fortunes of incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.
This development comes despite previous public endorsements of Governor Oyebanji’s 2026 candidature by Fayemi, Fayose, and Oni (who had contested against Oyebanji in 2022 under the SDP). Over the weekend, several key loyalists of these former governors reconvened in Ado-Ekiti to formally unveil the ADC as a formidable force for the upcoming 2026 state and 2027 general elections.
The list of defectors includes high-profile figures such as Professor Kolapo Eleka (former Deputy Governor under Fayose), Dipo Anisulowo (former Chief of Staff), Modupe Alade (former SSG), Gbenga Faseluka (former Head of Service), Akin Omole (former Commissioner for Information under Fayemi), Sikiru Lawal (former Deputy Governor under Segun Oni), Ambassador Dare Bejide (former SSG under Segun Oni), and former Speaker of Ekiti House of Assembly, Gboyega Aribisogan, among others.
Speaking to journalists after the event, which drew thousands from across Ekiti’s 16 local government areas, Professor Kolapo Eleka, who now coordinates the Ekiti ADC Stakeholders, positioned the party as the “only coalition” capable of liberating Nigerians from the perceived challenges under President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Eleka asserted that the ADC, under the collective leadership of figures like former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party Presidential Candidate Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, is prepared to rescue the country from what he described as “corrupt, intimidating and unvisionary” leaders.
“ADC is the way, it’s the most meaningful party because we have the intention to cater for the interest of the Nigerians. We have an ideology and we are following it,” Eleka stated, emphasizing the party’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and economic revival. He stressed the need for unity among “like-minded individuals” to “unsit the leaders making us face hell at the national and state levels.”
Representing Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Professor Bayo Fakunle thanked Ekiti residents for their past support and urged them to back ADC’s leadership for national growth. Akin Omole clarified his defection as a personal decision to join a formidable force that genuinely intends to serve Ekiti people, rather than an act of sabotage against his former boss.
Omolayo Ilesanmi, the Ekiti ADC Chairman, welcomed the defectors, stating their move signified a shared dedication to building a Nigeria founded on progress, integrity, discipline, and honesty. Ilesanmi reaffirmed the Ekiti ADC’s commitment to national goals and urged all members to secure their voter’s cards as their “golden ticket to victory” ahead of the crucial 2026 and 2027 elections.