Court Affirms APC Supremacy, Upholds Oyebanji’s Candidacy
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has welcomed recent court rulings affirming the supremacy of political parties in handling their internal affairs, describing the judgments as a boost to party cohesion ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, said the Federal High Court decisions reinforced the sanctity of APC’s internal processes and validated Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as the party’s duly recognized candidate.
Justice Peter Lifu, while dismissing a suit filed by Olajumoke Abimbola on Wednesday, held that matters relating to party membership and internal processes fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the political party and are not subject to judicial interference.
In a separate ruling delivered on Thursday, the court also struck out another case, reiterating that courts lack the authority to meddle in the internal affairs of political parties.
According to the APC, both rulings confirmed that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the suits, describing the cases as an abuse of judicial process.
The party said the judgments align with its long-held position on party supremacy and internal discipline, noting that Governor Oyebanji has consistently advocated respect for party structures and mechanisms.
While emphasizing that “there is no victor and no vanquished,” the APC called on aggrieved members to close ranks and work together in the interest of the party.
The party, however, cautioned members against resorting to litigation over internal matters, urging them instead to utilize established dispute resolution mechanisms within the party framework.
Looking ahead to the governorship election, the APC expressed confidence in Governor Oyebanji’s re-election bid, citing what it described as his administration’s record of stability, transparency, infrastructure development, and improved security.
It also charged party members across wards and local governments to mobilize support and work collectively towards delivering a decisive victory at the polls.