Supreme Court upholds Oyebanji’s candidacy for Ekiti governorship election

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has welcomed the Supreme Court judgment affirming Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the party’s valid candidate for the June 20 governorship election.

The party described Friday’s unanimous verdict as a triumph for internal democracy, the rule of law and the wishes of APC members across the state, urging party faithful to close ranks and support the governor’s administration.

The legal dispute was initiated by APC governorship aspirant, Abimbola Olawunmi, who challenged the outcome of the party’s primary election that produced Oyebanji as its flag bearer.

The case had earlier been dismissed by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal, which upheld Oyebanji’s nomination. The Supreme Court subsequently affirmed the lower courts’ decisions, bringing the legal battle to an end.

In a statement issued on Friday by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, the party said the judgment had resolved all legal issues surrounding the governor’s candidacy and reinforced the legitimacy of his electoral victory.

“We congratulate Governor Oyebanji on this judicial affirmation. Despite winning the primary, securing a convincing electoral victory and now receiving the Supreme Court’s endorsement, he has remained humble, peaceful and committed to inclusive governance,” the statement read.

The party added that the governor had remained focused on delivering good governance rather than engaging in political distractions, noting that his leadership style had continued to earn him the confidence of Ekiti residents.

The APC also commended the judiciary for safeguarding democracy through its verdict and expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the party’s National Working Committee for their support throughout the legal process.