Afenifere Backs Dare Bejide For Ekiti Governor 

By Joseph Sunday 

A Yoruba socio – cultural political group in Ekiti State known as Afenifere has retraced steps and chose to back the Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, in person of Ambassador Dare Bejide.

The above decision became a public knowledge during the visit of the leadership of the Afenifere in Ekiti State to the residence of Ambassador Dare Bejide in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital recently led by its State Chairman, Pastor Dr Olayemi Lawrence Olajuyinnu, and State Secretary, Honourable Afolabi Olaiya Idowu.

Afenifere during the visit to Ambassador Dare Bejide, through its Ekiti State Chapter, formally announced its decision anointing Ambassador Dare Bejide, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, as its chosen standard-bearer for the 2026 elections.

According to the State Chairman of Afenifere in Ekiti State, Pastor Olajuyinnu, he said, “the declaration, made during a charged stakeholders’ gathering in Ado-Ekiti, transcends mere political support; it is a cultural and ideological alignment. 

Continuing, he added, that, “Afenifere Ekiti, the guardian of progressive Yoruba ethos and governance values, has chosen to “drum” not just for a candidate, but for a direction it believes Ekiti desperately needs. 

We are not merely endorsing a politician; we are championing a proven custodian of our ideals, he asserted.

From his roots as Secretary to the State Government to his distinguished service as our nation’s Ambassador to Canada, Dare Bejide carries the integrity, competence, and heart for service that Ekiti requires to break its cycle of stagnation. 

We are drumming this support to awaken our people to a leadership that prioritizes them.

This move is widely interpreted as a strategic gambit to consolidate a formidable front against the incumbent establishment. 

With Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC seeking re-election, Afenifere’s backing frames Bejide as the tangible alternative for voters yearning for change. 

The group’s critique is implicit but clear: fresh, diplomatic perspective is required to tackle the state’s deep-seated challenges in employment, healthcare, and education.

For his part, Bejide, buoyed by the endorsement, struck a note of humble determination.

This is a profound call to duty, rooted in our shared heritage, he stated.

It reaffirms our collective mission: to build an Ekiti that doesn’t just function, but flourishes—where tradition and innovation merge to create prosperity for every citizen.”

Also at the meeting was Chief Ayodeji  Babatola, the ADC’s deputy governorship candidate, who thanked Afenifere for its steadfast support, and promised that a Bejide administration would ensure good governance and that the benefits of democracy would reach every community, not just a selected few. 

Other ADC officials, including the state’s deputy Chairman, Hon. Dare Adekolu and the State Secretary, Hon. Akinwumi, were also present.