A wave of high-profile defections has hit Ekiti State, as several prominent politicians across party lines have officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), vowing to form a formidable coalition against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2026 and 2027 elections.
The defectors include former Deputy Governors, Secretaries to the State Government (SSG), Commissioners, and other prominent political figures who previously served under former Governors Ayodele Fayose, Kayode Fayemi, and Segun Oni.
Notable names among the new ADC members are Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka (former Deputy Governor), Dipo Anisulowo (former Chief of Staff), Modupe Alade (former SSG), Gbenga Faseluka (former Head of Service), Akin Omole (ex-Commissioner under Fayemi), Sikiru Lawal, and Amb. Dare Bejide, and Gboyega Aribisogan (former Speaker of the House of Assembly).
Speaking after the grand defection event held in Ado-Ekiti, the ADC Stakeholders’ Coordinator in Ekiti, Prof. Kolapo Eleka, said the move signalled a strong desire to “rescue Nigeria from the claws” of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
“ADC is the way. It’s the most meaningful party because we have the intention to cater to the interests of Nigerians. We have an ideology, and we’re following it,” Eleka declared.
He stressed that the ADC, backed by a powerful coalition including former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, was Nigeria’s last hope.
“We’re tired of dead parties. The ADC is a coalition of like-minded individuals who embody transparency, accountability, and a vision for economic revival. It’s time to say no to one-party dictatorship and intimidation,” he added.
Atiku Sends Message, Urges Support For ADC
Represented by Professor Bayo Fakunle, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar thanked the Ekiti people for supporting his past presidential bids and urged them to rally behind ADC to secure Nigeria’s future.
“This coalition is not just political; it’s a national rescue mission,” Fakunle said.
A former Commissioner for Information under Fayemi, Akin Omole, clarified that his defection was not aimed at sabotaging his former principal but a conscious decision to align with a platform that prioritises the welfare of Ekiti residents.
“This is about the people. The ADC offers the best platform to bring about the change we desire,” Omole said.
Ekiti ADC Chairman, Omolayo Ilesanmi, hailed the defection as “a symbol of unity and shared vision,” describing the party’s direction as one built on “progress, integrity, discipline, and honesty.”
He urged party members and supporters to secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the coming polls.
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