Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision that reaffirmed his election as governor. He described the ruling as a victory for democracy and for the people of Ekiti. The Ado Ekiti Division of the Court of Appeal, delivering its judgment virtually on Tuesday, dismissed the appeal filed by Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate Segun Oni on the grounds that it lacked substance. The court confirmed that Oyebanji and Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye were duly elected, and that Oyebanji was lawfully nominated as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, winning the election in a peaceful atmosphere.
Oni had been dissatisfied with the December 29, 2022 verdict of the Ekiti State Election Petition Tribunal, which dismissed his suit against Oyebanji’s election for failure to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt. He therefore sought redress from the Court of Appeal. After the appellate court rejected his appeal, Oyebanji issued a statement, signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, declaring the victory “to the glory of God and the joy of the people of the state.” He reiterated his respect for Oni and urged his supporters to celebrate in moderation, avoiding name‑calling or hostility toward opposition members.
In his statement, Oyebanji praised the judiciary, saying, “I commend the judiciary for this landmark judgment. It is living up to the expectation of the people. This is a victory for democracy and the rule of law. I dedicate this victory to God and the good people of Ekiti State who have continued to show tremendous support for the administration.” He added that the judgment validates the election process and should energize party members to vote for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates on Saturday, 25 February.
Despite the appellate ruling, Oni and the SDP have resolved to take the case to the Supreme Court to challenge the tribunal and appellate court decisions that affirmed Oyebanji as the duly elected governor. SDP campaign spokesperson Jackson Adebayo said the party will fight for Oni’s rights “to the last” and seek justice.
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