Ekiti Poll: Oyebanji Visits ADC Candidate Bejide, Seeks Unity After Election

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship candidate in the recently concluded governorship election, Ambassador Dare Bejide, as part of efforts to promote unity and inclusive governance.

The visit took place at Bejide’s residence in Ado Ekiti and fulfilled the governor’s earlier promise to personally meet with all major contestants in the election after the declaration of the results.

Governor Oyebanji was accompanied by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, and was received by the ADC candidate.

During the meeting, both leaders held discussions centred on the continued development of Ekiti State and the need for collective efforts toward advancing the state’s progress.

The governor’s visit forms part of his post election reconciliation initiative aimed at fostering cooperation across political divides and encouraging broader participation in governance.

Following the June 20 governorship election, Oyebanji had contacted both the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Dr Wole Oluyede, and the ADC candidate, Ambassador Bejide, by telephone to congratulate them for their participation and assure them of his intention to pay personal visits.

He subsequently visited Dr Oluyede at his residence alongside some political leaders before extending the same gesture to Bejide on Monday.

The governor has consistently maintained that governance should be inclusive and that the contributions of opposition parties remain valuable in achieving sustainable development across the state.

According to the state government, the outreach reflects Oyebanji’s commitment to strengthening unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among political stakeholders regardless of party affiliation.

The administration believes that maintaining open communication with political opponents will help create a more stable political environment and support the implementation of development programmes that benefit all residents.

The visit also underscores the governor’s broader agenda of building consensus on issues affecting the state and promoting collaboration beyond electoral competition.

Political observers say the reconciliation efforts could further reduce post election tensions and encourage greater cooperation among political actors as the government continues to pursue its development agenda for Ekiti State.