Adebayo Adenrele
As the 2026 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State gathers momentum, an Aspirant under the platform of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Adeyinka Alli has expressed deep concern over the state’s poor infrastructure and food insecurity, which he believes have downgraded Ekiti’s standing among the sub-nationals
Alli stated these on Tuesday at Itapa-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State, during his official declaration for the governorship race.
The Aspirant noted that, the state which is known as the Fountain of Knowledge has derailed in its educational system, stressing it has not adequately translated into problem-solving experience or development.
Alli said the state must redefine the educational system to be practical, research-driven and solution-oriented, adding that the Agricultural sector should be refined to bring food sufficiency, job opportunities and wealth to the people.
The Aspirant explained that as a Human Resources consultant, he has invested his life in building capacity, gaining experience and preparing himself for leadership.
He exuded confidence in his capacity and ability to steer the wheel of the state, calling on residents and well-meaning citizens of the state to support him in order to bring the total change that the state truly deserves.
Alli equally emphasized that he decided to shift tent from All People’s Party (APP) to ADC because the party shares the ideology of fresh hope and new possibilities, which aligns with the yearnings of Ekiti residents for genuine change.
His words, “For the past 20 years, I have deliberately invested my life in building capacity, gaining experience and preparing myself for leadership. I began my career as a Human Resources consultant, which gave me a deep understanding of human behaviour, how people relate, how they advance and the importance of training and empowerment in achieving success.
“Over those years, I also devoted a significant part of my life to banking. This experience equipped me with knowledge of how to generate wealth, how to manage it, and how to sustain it for the greater good. In the last three to four years, I have fully immersed myself in politics not as a platform for taking, but as an opportunity for giving. With the little resources God has blessed me with, I have contributed meaningfully and the evidence of my service is clear for all to see.
“I believe all these experiences put me in good stead to aspire for the governorship of Ekiti State. Our people are yearning for change, a real turnaround that will deliver growth, prosperity, and dignity. Over the past two decades, I have initiated and sustained businesses that grew into success stories. My goal is to bring that same experience of building, sustaining, and growing to Ekiti State.
“Ekiti is known as the Fountain of Knowledge, but sadly, our educational system is not adequately translating into problem-solving or development. Education must go beyond classrooms. If we train engineers, what are they producing for the state? Are we building vehicles or motorbikes? If we call ourselves the fountain of knowledge, we must redefine our education to be practical, research-driven and solution-oriented.
“Equally important is agriculture. From the days of regionalization, Ekiti was known for farming, yet today, there is no food security. This must change. Agriculture will be redefined to bring food sufficiency, jobs and wealth to our people. Beyond that, Ekiti is blessed with abundant rocks and natural endowments that can be turned into revenue, just as states in the United States have harnessed theirs. Our tourism potential is vast but untapped. With the right policies, tourism in Ekiti can generate wealth and create jobs for our youths.
“Sadly, our infrastructure tells a different story. Roads are in deplorable condition, transportation costs are unbearable and the state too often trends for the wrong reasons on social media. This is unacceptable. If roads are maintained, if transport systems are properly managed, we will ease the suffering of our people and make life better.
“That is why I am coming out boldly to correct these anomalies. I need Ekiti people, men, women, youths, and elders to join me in this journey. Together, we can bring the total change that our state truly deserves”.
In his remarks, the Chairman of ADC, Ekiti State Chapter, Omolayo Ilesanmi congratulated Alli for declaring his ambition to vie for the gubernatorial race under ADC, stressing the action has made him confident and worthwhile to be reckon within.
He said ADC is ready to make his ambition a reality if he finally emerges as the flag bearer of the party, urging him to prepare for the unexpected as the gubernatorial race draws closer.
The Chairman assured that his ambition would also be relayed to the national body of the party, charging residents of Itapa and the whole Local Government Area to support their own to become the Governor of the State.
Reacting to the state broadcast of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the Chairman stated that there’s no violence within their own party and ADC is tailored towards harmony and tranquility.
