African Democratic Congress governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Ayodele David-Adesua, has urged voters not to be swayed by cash or rice gifts from politicians ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
David-Adesua gave the warning on Saturday while declaring his intention to contest for the ADC ticket at his hometown, Ijesa Isu Ekiti.
He said the people must resist any attempt by politicians to buy their votes with food items or money, stressing that such actions had in the past produced bad leaders and poor governance.
“Do not be deceived with bags of rice and little cash during electioneering, which may make people change their minds from voting for the right leader. Shun these enticements and vote right for development in the forthcoming election,” he said.
He added that the result of selling votes was always incompetent leadership and underdevelopment, which had continued to affect Ekiti State.
The ADC aspirant promised to prioritise youth and women empowerment, transparency, and economic growth if elected governor.
“My people and growth-centred administration will implement open-door policies, empower youth and women, and foster development across the state,” he said.
David-Adesua also called for unity among party members as he sought their support to emerge as the ADC candidate, commending the leadership of the party for promoting peace and togetherness.
Notable ADC chieftains at the event included a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka; former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Gboyega Aribisogan; and fellow governorship aspirants, Prof. Muyiwa Babalola and Chief Kayode Eegunjobi.
Olusola-Eleka praised the peaceful atmosphere within the ADC and urged aspirants to maintain harmony as the party prepared for the 2026 election.
Aribisogan assured that the party would ensure a transparent and fair process for all aspirants in the coming primaries.
Another aspirant, Babalola, described David-Adesua’s declaration as a sign of the ADC’s internal democracy, saying the party was united by a shared mission to rebuild Ekiti on the values of integrity and inclusive leadership.
Eegunjobi also urged Ekiti residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the election, describing the ADC as the only credible alternative capable of bringing lasting change to the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed October 20 to November 10, 2025, for party primaries ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
At least six aspirants, including David-Adesua, Adeyinka Alli, Dare Bejide, Eegunjobi, Babalola, and Emmanuel Fayose, have declared interest in the ADC ticket.
