The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially presented Ambassador Dare Patrick Bajide with his certificate of return, confirming him as the party's flag bearer for the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State.
Certificate Presentation and Political Challenge
The formal presentation ceremony took place on Wednesday at the ADC's national headquarters in Abuja. Babachir Lawal, the National Vice Chairman for the North East, presented the certificate on behalf of the party's national chairman, Senator David Mark.
In his acceptance speech, Bajide immediately set his sights on the ruling party in the state. He declared his intention to robustly challenge the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC), pinpointing infrastructure decay, security issues, and a lack of government accountability as the primary failures of the current administration that he plans to address.
"We are members of the political class, and I belong to that very big class," Bajide stated. "I have been in the political terrain for a while, and, at the moment, the state government is not doing well for the people, and the people are yearning for a change. A change in respect of the provision of infrastructure."
He specifically highlighted the deplorable state of roads for travelers entering Ekiti from neighboring Kwara and Ondo States as a clear example of the infrastructural neglect.
A Wealth of Experience and Agricultural Vision
The ADC candidate leveraged the occasion to outline his extensive political resume, underscoring his preparedness for the governorship. His career spans periods both before and after the creation of Ekiti State.
His notable roles include serving as State Secretary of the NRC in the old Ondo State, Pioneer Secretary of both the UNCP and PDP in Ekiti, an ambassadorial posting to Canada, and three terms as Secretary to the State Government. He further cited his chairmanship of the Federal Medical Centre and work with the UNHCR as crucial preparation for executive governance.
Turning to policy, Bajide identified agriculture as a strategic sector for transformative development. He envisions Ekiti State leveraging its geographical position to become a major food supplier.
"Ekiti State has the potential of producing food for both Lagos and Abuja. We stand in the middle. We promote agriculture," he explained. "We also encourage the public servants. We will raise their morale. We will increase their welfare and make sure that an average Ekiti man is a proud person once again. Those are the things we want to do immediately when we are elected."
Why the ADC Was the Chosen Platform
Explaining his decision to run under the banner of the African Democratic Congress, Bajide praised the party's foundational principles and its current stability compared to its rivals.
"If you look at the other parties as of today, they are fragmented, divided, functionalised. But our party stands firmly on solid ground," he asserted. He emphasized that the ADC successfully conducted a primary election that led to his emergence, a process he claims other parties are still battling in court. "So I believe this is the best place for me to run for an election," he concluded, affirming the party's commitment to transparency, democracy, and good governance.
