The Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV), a prominent grassroots political group, has welcomed the recent judgments of the Federal High Court affirming the supremacy of political parties and the sanctity of their internal processes.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group described the rulings as a triumph for democracy and party discipline, emphasizing that they reinforced the long-established principle of non-interference in intra-party affairs.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Peter Lifu dismissed a suit filed by Olajumoke Abimbola, holding that issues relating to party membership and internal processes remain the exclusive preserve of political parties and are not subject to judicial adjudication.
In a separate ruling delivered on Thursday, the court struck out another case, reiterating that courts lack the jurisdiction to interfere in the internal affairs of political parties.
According to the group, the judgments affirmed Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, as the bona fide candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the June 20 governorship election. The court also ruled that the plaintiffs lacked the locus standi to institute the suits, describing the actions as an abuse of judicial process.
Speaking on behalf of OSV, its Convener, HC Ade, commended the consistency of the rulings, stating that they validated the supremacy of the party—an ideal Governor Oyebanji has consistently upheld since assuming office.
“We humbly welcome the judgments and commend the judiciary for upholding justice and democratic values. There is no victor and no vanquished. All members, including those who approached the court, remain valued members of the APC family. Now that the courts have spoken, we must close ranks,” he said.
OSV further called on APC faithful to see themselves as equal canvassers ahead of the forthcoming election, stressing that campaigns must be conducted peacefully across local governments, wards, and polling units.
The group also charged members to intensify grassroots mobilisation at the polling unit level to ensure a resounding and massive victory for Governor Oyebanji, with a clear target of achieving 500,000 votes in the June 20 governorship election.
The statement credited Governor Oyebanji’s administration with promoting stability, transparency, infrastructural renewal, and improved security in Ekiti State.
“Under his leadership, Ekiti has witnessed remarkable progress. APC is one. Ekiti is one. BAO’s second term is for the good of all. We must all work tirelessly from our polling units to deliver not just victory, but a historic mandate of 500,000 votes,” the statement added.
Signed:
HC Ade
Convener, Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV)
