SUPREME COURT AFFIRMATION: A TRIUMPH OF DEMOCRACY AND THE WILL OF EKITI PEOPLE.

SUPREME COURT AFFIRMATION: A TRIUMPH OF DEMOCRACY AND THE WILL OF EKITI PEOPLE.

By Pharm Rachael Funmilayo Fagboyo.

The unanimous judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Friday, affirming His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as the valid candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election, marks another defining moment in the democratic journey of our dear state.

This judgment is more than a legal victory. It is a victory for internal democracy, for the rule of law, and most importantly, for the collective will of APC members and the good people of Ekiti State who, on June 20, 2026 gave the Governor a resounding mandate.

From the High Court to the Court of Appeal, and now to the apex court, the judiciary has consistently upheld the integrity of the APC primaries that produced Governor Oyebanji.  By dismissing the appeal filed by Chief Abimbola Olawunmi, the Supreme Court has finally laid to rest all legal issues surrounding the Governor’s candidacy and has further strengthened the legitimacy of the mandate entrusted to him.

Fagboyo, in a statement made available to journalists on Friday after the apex court's verdict, described the judgment as a resounding affirmation of the overwhelming mandate freely given to Governor Oyebanji by the people of Ekiti State during the governorship election.

According to her, the supreme court’s decision has laid to rest every legal contest surrounding his candidacy and the election, paving the way for the Governor to remain focused on delivering more dividends of democracy to the people without distraction.

Fagboyo commended Oyebanji for his inclusive leadership style, people-oriented policies and remarkable developmental strides across critical sectors of the state, noting that his administration had continued to enjoy widespread acceptance because of its commitment to good governance, transparency and sustainable development.

She expressed confidence that the Governor would sustain the momentum of his administration's developmental agenda and continue to justify the confidence reposed in him by the people of the state.

The APC stalwart also urged political leaders, stakeholders and residents of Ekiti State, irrespective of party affiliation, to accept the judgment in good faith and embrace the spirit of unity for the collective progress of the state.

She said, "The Supreme Court has spoken, and its judgment represents the final expression of the law. This is a victory for democracy, the rule of law and, above all, the people of Ekiti State who freely entrusted Governor Oyebanji with the mandate to lead them.

"I appeal to all well-meaning Ekiti indigenes to put politics aside and support the Governor as he continues to pursue policies and programmes that will further enhance the growth, peace and prosperity of our dear state."

Fagboyo reaffirmed her commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress and pledged her continued support for the Oyebanji's administration in his efforts to deliver inclusive governance and sustainable development across Ekiti State.